▼
3
CONFIDENTIAL
Chapter Three
323. SAR helicopter forces are also based in Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, and Hong Kong (see Military Tasks 1.15, 1.18 and 1.20).
Military Task 1.9: Maintain the Integrity of British Waters in Peacetime
324. The Government has an obligation to ensure the integrity of the
United Kingdom's territorial waters and to protect British rights and activities in the surrounding seas. A visible presence by warships reassures
commercial shipping in general, and British merchantmen in particular.
Military activities include sea and air surveillance of both surface vessels
and submarines; maintenance of a presence in territorial waters and surrounding seas; assistance to the civil authorities in dealing with suspicious or illegal activities; and maintenance of the security of vital ports, anchorages and sea lanes, especially in time of rising tension. This Task is currently met through forces earmarked for Military Tasks 1.4 and
1.6.
Box: Submarines and Fishing Vessels
Military Task 1.10: Maintain the integrity of British Airspace in Peacetime
325. The integrity of British airspace in peacetime is maintained through a continuous Recognised Air Picture (RAP) and air policing of the United
Kingdom Air Defence Region. The Improved United Kingdom Air Defence Ground Environment (IUKADGE), comprising 12 transportable radars with fully automated command and control system supported by
data link communications, and supplemented by E-3D Sentry aircraft,
maintains continuous radar coverage of the UKADR and produces the
RAP. All-weather Tornado F3 fighters, supported by tanker aircraft, are
CONFIDENTIAL
10