NATO SECRET
FORCE IMPROVEMENT. AD 70 MEASURES AND BASIC ISSUES
ANNEX D
Introduction
1.
The preceding Tables indicate the force levels which are likely to result from the United Kingdom Defence Review. Inevitably our plans for re-equipment and modernisation are also affected although in general we have sought economies where they will have minimal effects on measures planned within the framework of AD 70 and for Basic Issues, contexts to which NATO attaches particular importance. At this stage it has been easier to define the implication of reductions for the more equipment intensive naval and air forces than for the land forces.
2. The United Kingdom's guiding principle is to continue to maintain a balanced operational capability. Thus as much as possible of the burden of savings will fall on support equipment. Economie's will be achieved here in a number of ways including the deferment of programmes, reductions in numbers and the adoption of cheaper alternatives, ideally through collaborative measures.
3.
Every effort will be made to confine project cancellations to those which are the least disturbing to the United Kingdom's overall defence posture. Comments on the three Services are given below.
Royal NavY
4.
The major equipment implications for the Royal Navy are that:
2.
It is not now planned to replace amphibious ships and associated helicopters. The provision of
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NATO SECRET