§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the SA80 rifle; and whether it will continue in service. [74083]
§ Mr. IngramThe SA80 modification programme has significantly improved the reliability and performance of the weapon. Extensive trials were carried out in severe climatic conditions including the desert, the arctic and the jungle; these trials confirmed the newly modified weapon's superior capabilities. More recent trials and demonstrations in Afghanistan and Oman have established beyond doubt that the weapon is highly accurate, reliable, and that it can be effectively maintained in an operational environment.
Exercise name Date Location Type PANTHER CUB Feb 02 Belize Land Command jungle warfare training STRONG RESOLVE Mar 02 Norway/Poland Tri-Service participation in quadrennial NATO LIVEX RED FLAG Mar 02 USA HQ Strike Command air exercise in USA GRAND PRIX Mar 02 Kenya Land Command battlegroup exercise JOINT VENTURE May 02 UK PJHQ tri-Service Component Commander Command Post Exercise STARDEX 02 Jul 02 Malaysia FLEET exercise within Five Power Defence Agreement