§ 36. Mr. John SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to improve the RAF's precision-guided bombing capability. [133020]
§ Mr. SpellarThe intention to procure an interim precision guided bombing capability for the Royal Air Force as quickly as possible was announced on 24 July. Since then, we have selected Raytheon Systems Corporation to supply the RAF with Enhanced Paveway bombs, subject to the successful completion of contractual negotiations. These bombs will make use of Global Positioning System technology to strike targets accurately in all weather conditions and are expected to be in service with RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft by October next year. This capability will be supplemented by an additional all weather precision guided bombing system that we are currently planning to introduce in 2006.