CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
umber of VC10 and Hercules aircraft in operation will be reduced
from 66 to 47; the Belfast Squadron of ten aircraft is not
affected.
The size of the planned RAP helicopter tactical
transport force will be reduced by about one quarter by cutting the
number of Whirlwinds in Cyprus and disbanding the Wessex squadron in
Singapore; and by abandoning current plans for a new purchase
of medium-lift helicopters for support of the Army from 1977.
The Nimrod maritime patrol force will be reduced by a quarter.
58.
The withdrawal from most of our non-NATO commitments will
enable us to reduce the task and size of the RAF Regiment. We
are therefore examining the structure of the Regiment to determine
how its remaining tasks can best be met. We foresee no changes in
its responsibilities for
operating
the Rapier low level air
defence system.
59. The reduction in the size of the KAF transport force and
economies in training, communication and general support aircraft will
enable the Royal Air Force to concentrate some smaller units at major
stations with good facilities, such as Brize Norton and Lyneham;
and to withdraw from some twelve stations or airfields during the
period covered by the Defence Review. The stations which the Royal Air Force
propose to vacate are Leconfield, Driffield, Bicester, Chessington,
Colerne, Thorney Island, West Raynham, Little Rissington, Tern Hill, Hullavington, Medmenham and Biggin Hill, though they may need to
retain enclaves at Leconfield and West Raynham. The process of
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CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL