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25. Review of JTP 30. JTP 30, Reference D, is the contingency plan for the
reinforcement of Hong Kong. UKCICC is to initiate a comprehensive review of JTP
30 in Mar 89 to ensure that the reinforcement plan accords with developments in
the withdrawal plan.
HELICOPTER SUPPORT
26. Wessex Force Level - Constraint.
-
CDS 7/87 envisaged the HKGFSD expanding
in 1989 by the addition of 2 Aerospatiale Dauphin or similar helicopters.
Given the availability of these aircraft, it was planned to reduce the Wessex
Aircraft Establishment (AE) from 8 to 6 aircraft in that year. However, the HKG
has discarded its initial plan; procurement of helicopters for the HKGFSD will
not now occur in 1989. The HKG now expect to obtain additional, new helicopters
from the last part of 1990 onwards. It will take time before these assets
become operational and it should also be recognised that some of the Garrison's
tasks may not be achieveable by the HKGFSD helicopter unit, which is primarily a
S&R organisation at this time. Thus the extent to which the HKGFSD might pro-
vide effective helicopter support to the Garrison cannot yet be quantified.
27. Wessex Force Level - Planning. The planned reduction of the Wessex force -
with support from 2 HKGFSD Dauphin helicopters available - was limited in order
to satisfy an operational requirement to mount a "simultaneous half company
helilift". This requires a minimum of 6 Wessex (or similar) helicopters to
achieve. On initial examination, it could appear sensible to delay the run down
of the Wessex force until about 1991 when the HKGFSD might be ready to provide
helicopter support to the Garrison. However, 28 Sqn has been unable to fly its
authorised flying task during the past year and this has therefore been reduced.
ROW 113 (HONG)
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