§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence in what respects, other than their being fitted with modern missiles, the Hawk aircraft to be used for local air defence are superior to the Hunter aircraft previously used in this role; and, having regard to the Hawk's lack of radar capability and the vulnerability of ground-based radars to attack, how it would be enabled to intercept enemy aircraft.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Hunter is being progressively phased out of service, and so needs to be replaced in this role. The Hawk is a more modern, reliable aircraft, easier than the Hunter to operate and maintain. It is not the practice to disclose details of operational concepts, but the main advantage of the Hawk is that, unlike the Hunter, it will be armed with the Sidewinder AIM 9L missile.