§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with NATO allies concerning United Kingdom air defences.
§ Mr. StanleyMy right hon. Friend holds regular meetings with NATO colleagues collectively and individually, at which defence matters of mutual interest are discussed, including from time to time matters relevant to United Kingdom air defence. Most recently, in the course of my right hon. Friend's meeting with M. Giraud on 9–10 March, the decision of both countries to purchase AWACS was discussed, as mentioned in my right hon. Friend's press statement, a copy of which is in the Library.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning United Kingdom air defences.
§ Mr. StanleyOur air defences are regularly tested in national and NATO exercises and the Royal Air Force achieves consistently very high standards in these demanding evaluations. Looking to the future, the major modernisation programme in which we are engaged is now well advanced. This includes the build up of the Tornado F2/F3, whose excellent range and loiter capability make it ideally suited for the air defence role; a comprehensive modernisation of our ground-based radars and command and control systems; and the provision of a modern and effective airborne early warning capability through the purchase of E3A. The modernisation programme when complete will have achieved a major transformation of our air defence capabilities.