ANNEX A TO COS 1697/28/10/69 (Continued)
UK-Based Forces
5. During the period 1970/71 the RAF front line will be undergoing large scale re-equipment. The timing of the introduction of new aircraft into UK-based Squadrons, and the extensive work-up required will preclude visits to the Far East by Phantom FG1, Buccaneer and Nimrod aircraft. UK- based Lightnings are, of course, governed by the same limitations with regard to Hong Kong as are those of FEAF. It would clearly be uneconomical to detach small numbers of aircraft from the UK to Hong Kong for the sole purpose of demonstrating a capability. Aircraft can therefore only be drawn from those visiting the Far East for other purposes. Since there are no plans to deploy Harriers or Victor B/SR2s to the theatre, the possible choice of aircraft is narrowed to Phantom FGR2S, Vulcans and Canberras.
6. Suitable opportunities will present themselves in 1970 in connection with Exercise BERSATU PADU (June/July) and Exercise SUNFLOWER (November/December). In addition arrangements could be made to route a proportion of Pacific Ranger flights through Kai Tak. However, in the absence of a major exercise in 1971, and because of the advanced stage of FEAF rundown in that year, opportunities will be less frequent. Nevertheless, although no firm arrangements have as yet been made, it may be possible to mount at least one UK-supported MBF detachment to the Far East on a reduced scale. Again certain Pacific Ranger flights could also be routed through Hong Kong.
Scope and Frequency
7
In the light of the foregoing and subject to detailed examination by the Operations staffs in the AFD, HQSTC and HAFEAF, we consider that visits by combat aircraft to Hong Kong during 1970/71 could be carried out on the following scale:
1.E, one besit by two Vulcan answept Togueño.
1970
1971
a.
2 x Vulcan
b.
2 x Vulcan
June/July
November/December)
To be decided
C.
4 x Phantom FGR 2
June/July
Nil
(with tanker
support already
earmarked for
Exercise BERSATU
PADU)
d.
1 x Canberra PR7
e.
June/July
Nil
Vulcan and Canberra aircraft on an opportunity basis, at an annual rate of up to three visits per type per year.
f.
Periodic visits by FEAF Shackletons up to their withdrawal in September 1971.
A
2
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