HL Deb 05 May 1993 vol 545 cc39-40WA
Lord Trefgarne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they intend to meet the RAF's future requirements for laser guided bombs.

Viscount Cranborne

The 1992 Statement on the Defence Estimates (para 421) noted the remarkable results achieved in Operation Granby by precision guided munitions and that we were reviewing the mix of precision and non-precision munitions in the RAF's inventory. I am pleased to report that we have invited tenders for the supply of new advanced low level laser guided bombs. These bombs will in part replace our existing Paveway II laser guided bombs; they will be more flexible and accurate, and effective against a wider range of possible targets.

This competitive procurement is part of our programme to ensure that our armed forces continue to be provided with up-to-date and highly capable equipment.