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ANNEX A TO COS 40/68
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT FOR HONG KONG
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Introduction
1. This paper examines the feasibility of a small RAF
element consisting of four to five Hunters being provided
for Hong Kong backed by a Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force
(HKAAF) component, and taking into account the possibility of
maintenance backing by Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering
Corporation (HAEC).
2. We have previously agreed (1) that there is no military
justification for the permanent stationing of fighter aircraft
in Hong Kong, but that, if political considerations were
over-riding and if costs were to be met from outside the
Defence Budget, a small force of Hunter aircraft could be
provided from 1970, when No 20 Squadron is due to be with-
drawn from Singapore. This force could be sustained until
about 1975, by which time the situation would have to be
reviewed.
3. In this paper, we therefore assume that an over-riding
political requirement is held to exist, and restrict our
examination to the feasibility of establishing an element of
fighters on the lines indicated.
Availability of Hunter Aircraft
2.
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By 1970 the Hunter variant most readily available will
be the F/GA9. Although by modern standards the capability
of this type in the air defence role is severely limited, (no
Note:
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COS 23/68.
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