CONFIDENT IAL

2ND DRAFT

Infantry

19.

The Infantry's anti-armour capability is being improved.

The Swingfire system mounted on an armoured carrier (already in

service with armoured regiments) is now coming into service with

'mechanised battalions. A new light-weight optical sight (SUIT) for

infantry weapons has been delivered to units. The ability of the

Infantry to operate at night will be enhanced by further issues of

the Individual Weapon Sight and by the introduction of a Night

Observation Device during the year.

Engineer Equipment

20. A bridge-laying version of Chieftain is now entering service

and an armoured recovery version will start to replace the earlier

Centurion models this year. Army combat forces will receive further

issues of the bar-mine, which can be laid more quickly and which has

greater stopping power than its predecessors.

Army Aviation

21. The Anglo-French Gazelle light helicopter is replacing the

Sioux in service. Its greater reliability, load-carrying capacity

and speed will improve the operational effectiveness of the Army's

light helicopter fleet.

Communications

22. The new Clansman range of combat net radios will begin to

enter service with training units during the year. Clansman offers

improvements in range, operational reliability, frequency coverage

and compactness over its predecessor.

Surveillance and Target Acquisition

23.

A new ground surveillance radar (ZB 298) has entered service

-

32 -

CONFIDENTIAL

Share This Page