§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy regarding equipment and force interoperability between(a) NATO countries and (b) "Partnership for Peace" countries. [37796]
§ Mr. SoamesOur policy is to maximise interoperability with the armed forces of our allies through participation in NATO's training and exercise programmes and by aiming to ensure that equipment purchased for the British armed forces meets agreed NATO interoperability standards, where they are consistent with our operational requirements.
One of PFP's declared objectives is the development, over the longer term, of forces that are better able to operate with NATO allies. Within the PFP planning and review process, partners have agreed specific goals for improving interoperability with alliance forces of units identified for PFP missions and activities.