HL Deb 16 July 1991 vol 531 c7WA
The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Royal Air Force's order for seven Boeing E-3 AWACS aircraft is still justified by any threat now facing the United Kingdom.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)

Yes. Airborne early warning is a vital element of our overall air defences, enabling the early detection and indentification of any air attack on the United Kingdom, together with the most effective use of the defending air forces.