HC Deb 05 July 1991 vol 194 cc237-8W
Sir Eldon Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what approximate proportion of Tornado strikes against enemy airfields in the Gulf war were made by GR1 aircraft linked to Buccaneers equipped to Pavespike laser designators; what proportion were made after thermal imaging airborne laser designator equipment became available; and which of these two systems achieved the best overall results in the targeting of Paveway II bombs.

Mr. Alan Clark

About 40 per cent. of Tornado GR1 and Buccaneer attacks against Iraqi airfields used the Pavespike designation system to target laser-guided bombs, and nearly 30 per cent. used TIALD. The performance of the two targeting systems is still being evaluated.

Sir Eldon Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use was made in the Gulf by RAF Tornados of the air-launched anti-radar missile and thermal imaging airborne laser designator pods; and if he has completed his evaluation of their effectiveness.

Mr. Alan Clark

Some RAF Tornado GR1s were equipped with ALARM missiles which had been brought into service several months early. Two TIALD pods were diverted from the current development programme to be used in the Gulf. We are continuing to study all aspects of the Gulf campaign.