DRAFT
SECRET UK EYES A
Army Air Corps (AAC)-helicopters to carry out command and control,
liaison, surveillance and photo reconnaissance in support of BFHK
until 1997. An operational analysis of the Scout helicopter force
levels required to satisfy the BFHK concept of operations concluded
that a minimum force of 4 AE and 1 IUR aircraft was required.
Consequently, a reduction of 2 AE and 1 IUR aircraft can take place
with immediate effect and is already planned to happen in FY 93/94.
The future Scout helicopter operational support requirement will be
kept under review, with a view to making further reductions
commensurate with the operational situation. A penalty of this
reduction will be that 660 Squadron AAC will be unable to support the
Brunei flight from 30 March 1994, and alternative arrangements for the
manning of, and administrative support to, this flight
flight will be
required. As this flight will be required to be operational in support
of the British Garrison Brunei until at least 1998 it should be
accorded independent flight status, with any increases in Brunei
probably being offset by compensating reductions in Hong Kong.
LOCALLY ENLISTED PERSONNEL (LEP)
23. LEP manning has held up well; however, the runout rate is
increasing and RN LEP recruiting is now proving difficult, which may
affect BFHK's ability to operate the RN patrol craft into 1997. The
overall trend, already evident with the RN LEP, is towards an increase
16
HK 10011 E4 J3 Ops, dated 18 December 1992.
14
SECRET UK EYES A
DRAFT