§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the(a) laser-guided bombs and (b) 1,000 lb free fall bombs dropped by the RAF during Operation Deliberate Force hit their targets; how many of each type of bomb hit each of the targets which were hit by RAF aircraft; and how many of each type of bomb failed to hit a target. [369]
§ Mr. SoamesThe information is not available in the form requested. Nineteen targets were assigned to be attacked with laser-guided bombs, and 43 of the 48 bombs which were dropped are assessed to have been successful. All 19 targets were either destroyed or severely damaged. Eight targets were assigned to be attacked with 30 1,000 lb free-fall bombs, but it is more difficult to assess the success of these weapons as other NATO aircraft attacked the same targets. However, it is assessed that there were three direct hits.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the definition of hitting a target and the circular error probable for each of the types of munition used in Operation Deliberate Force. [370]
§ Mr. SoamesThe definition of hitting a target varies with the objective of a mission, the type of weapon and the nature of the target. Information about the circular error probable for the weapons used in Operation Deliberate Force is classified.