§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to resolve the(a) logistical, (b) communications and (c) equipment failures identified through Exercise Saif Sareea II. [84534]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 2 December 2003]: Exercise Saif Sareea II was a major success and demonstrated, as planned, key elements of the Joint Rapid Reaction concept. Many of the lessons identified have already been implemented including modifications to the challenger 2 Main Battle Tank to improve its performance in desert conditions and an environmental enhancement pack for the AS90 self-propelled gun. In addition, following the successful trial on Exercise Saif Sareea II Personal Role Radios have been issued to all those ground forces deployed to Kuwait who could potentially be involved in combat.