§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what capabilities RTOF buoys have for enabling covert two-way data exchange between a submerged submarine and surface ships, aircraft, and shore stations; if the buoys will be used under the network-centric concept of operations; and if he will make a statement. [138980]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence is conducting research into improving the two-way data exchange between a submerged submarine and other units. The Recoverable Towed Optic Fibre (RTOF) buoy which is being investigated under this research could provide part of the solution. The capabilities which a RTOF buoy could give would be determined by the overall system's characteristics.