CONFIDENTIAL UK EYES A
organization centred on a motorized brigade, and designed to facilitate a rapid response to civil emergencies. Both naval and army SF capabilities are likely to be retained. The Italian navy will maintain a balanced sub-surface, surface and maritime air fleet, the latter probably including organic fixed-wing VSTOL elements. The Italian air force will remain largely a tactical force, with the appropriate AD, interdiction, air support, reconnaissance and transport elements. Its combat elements should comprise a force-mix of Tornado, AMX and EFA.
The
5. Spain. The Spanish army is being re-organised to develop
a significant intervention capability. In OOA terms the most significant elements are likely to be provided by the parachute brigade and the Special Operations Groups. latter are specialists in guerrilla warfare, and are organized generally in two-company groups. The Spanish Legion, some eight battalions, was originally raised for service in the colonies and is fit and tough, but has no particular skills. Spanish SF are drawn from the Police and Guardia Civil and are currently structured for internal security operations. The Spanish navy will probably retain about 10,000 marines, including a landing element geared to deploy three levels of force, one up to 250 men strong based on a special operations unit, one up to 2000 strong, and one with a planned maximum strength of 4000 men. The navy will probably continue to deploy considerable numbers of ships across a wide range of roles, including a VSTOL aircraft carrier. The Spanish air forces' operational elements are expected to be built round F- 18s and EFA, with transport support and a minor MPA element.
6.
The
Portugal. The Portuguese armed forces are handicapped by a chronic shortage of resources. However, the army is expected to have a a light brigade formed from the Air Force parachute brigade and the Army's two commando battalions. navy will probably retain its Marine Corps, some 2,500 strong, and a limited amphibious capability. The navy will probably seek to retain the balance of its present small force-mix of frigates, patrol vessels and submarines, and to regain an MCM capability. The air force currently lacks a true AD fighter
C-3
UK EYES A CONFIDENTIAL
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