HC Deb 04 May 1982 vol 23 cc54-5W
Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report a list of measures taken since May 1979 to strengthen the air defence capability of the United Kingdom air defence region.

Mr. Blaker

Since May 1979 we have decided:

  1. (a) to retain two Phantom squadrons instead of phasing them out as the Tornado F2 enters service;
  2. (b) to equip 72 Hawk aircraft with Sidewinder air-to-air missiles;
  3. (c) to form a reserve Lightning squadron;
  4. (d) to modify additional VC10s for the air-to-air refuelling role;
  5. (e) to improve the Phantom missile control system;
  6. (f) to acquire an additional Marconi Martello 3-D radar for the United Kingdom air defence ground environment.