§ Lord Hughes of Woodsideasked Her Majesty's Government:
What United Kingdom forces have been committed to Operation Allied Force. [HL2264]
§ Lord GilbertWe have today authorised the committal of a significant number of additional RAF aircraft to Operation Allied Force, the NATO air and naval action. We are committing an additional four 61WA Harrier GR7 ground attack aircraft, four Tornado GR1 and a 'Tristar tanker to Op Allied Force in response to a request from SACEUR for additional air assets. These aircraft will join the more than 700 UK and other allied aircraft already involved in air operations in the Balkans.
Including the deployments we are announcing today, the following UK units, or elements thereof, are currently committed to Operation Allied Force:
- Royal Navy
- HMS Invincible
- HMS Newcastle
- HMS Iron Duke
- HMS Grafton
- HMS Splendid
- RFA Fort Austin
- RFA Bayleaf
- 7 Sea Harrier FA2 aircraft
- 10 Sea King helicopters.
In addition, HMS "Turbulent" is currently patrolling in the area.
- Royal Air Force
- 16 Harrier GR7s
- 12 Tornado GRIs
- 3 E3-D Sentry AWA CS
- 4 Tristar tankers
- 4 VC10 tankers
- 1 Nimrod.