§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the role of United States Navy Tomahawk nuclear sea-launched cruise missiles in employment plans for NATO theatre nuclear forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe details of NATO's operational plans are classified.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if his Department is participating in NATO action to examine how to integrate the use of United States Navy Tomahawk nuclear sea-launched cruise missiles into NATO theatre nuclear force targeting, command, control and employment plans; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if his Department is participating in the development of a military concept of operations for the use of United States Navy Tomahawk nuclear sea-launched cruise missiles in support of NATO military operations.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonNo, the examination of the potential contribution of sea-launched cruise missiles to European security is principally a matter for NATO and United States authorities.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning progress by NATO in developing concepts of military operations for the employment of United States Navy Tomahawk nuclear sea-launch cruise missiles in conjunction with dual, nuclear/conventional weapon, capable aircraft.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonSince 1984, the United States has deployed nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) on United States naval vessels as an integral part of its worldwide deterrent forces. In 1988 NATO Defence Ministers instigated, as part of a larger force restructuring programme, an examination of the potential contribution of SLCMs to European security.
With this remit, United States and NATO military authorities are continuing to develop the necessary arrangements that would permit the United States to make SLCMs available to NATO in wartime.