SECRET UN ERIES A
no question of its cancellation,
but we may have to discuss some
slowing-down in the rate of delivery with our partners in the
project. We will continue to provide the current levels of
photographic, radar and electronic reconnaissance aircraft.
19. The air defence of the United Kingdom and its surrounding
sea area is a national responsibility. The UK is an important
base for NATO and also for the United States. Adequate air
forces are needed for its protection from the Soviet air threat,
which has increased considerably in quantity and quality in the
last few years and will increase further in future. The air
defence force is therefore being maintained at about its present
size. We have, however, been obliged to reduce the numbers of
supporting tanker aircraft and to forego the planned deployment
of a SAM squadron for area defence, but we will continue to
provide AEW aircraft to supplement our ground radar system.
20.
The intention to maintain our maritime strength, both sea
and air, in the Eastern Atlantic has already been stated. The
Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft for this area will be retained and
refitted to a much higher standard of capability. During the
refit programme, a Malta-based squadron will be disbanded and
its aircraft used to maintain the front line.
Specialist Reinforcment
21. I will now pass on to the specialist reinforcement
capability. I have already mentioned that there is a
requirement for 10,000 regular and 57,000 reservists to bring
our Army in Germany to a war footing and it is our intention that
9
SECRET UK EYES A