CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
ARMY EQUIPMENT
16. Improvements in Army equipment which have been recently
introduced, or are planned to take place in 1975, are listed below.
Armoured Forces
17. Armoured reconnaissance units in the United Kingdom, BAOR
and Hong Kong have all received the Scorpion tracked reconnaissance
vehicle. Mounting a 76mm gun, the Scorpion replaces the wheeled
Saladin armoured car in these units. The Scimitar tracked recon-
naissance vehicle with the Rarden 30mm gun, the Spartan armoured
personnel carrier, and the Striker, a tracked vehicle mounting
Swingfire anti-tank missiles, will begin to enter service during
These vehicles and others still under development
comprise the tracked combat reconnaissance vehicle (CVR(T)) family
and are being produced in collaboration with Belgium.
wheeled light reconnaissance vehicle (CVR(W)) will begin to enter
service during 1976.
the year.
Artillery
18.
The Fox
The 105mm light gun will begin to replace the 105mm pack
howitzer during 1975. It has increased range and lethality and
improved night-fighting capability over its predecessor. An order
has been placed to purchase the Lance tactical nuclear missile system
from the United States to replace Honest John. Logistic support on
a co-operative basis is being arranged with Germany, Belgium and
Italy, all of whom have placed orders for Lance. The Rapier low-
level air defence missile system is currently being introduced into
service. First deliveries of the Blowpipe man-portable missile
system for very-low-level air defence are due to take place this year.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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