TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 71

CONFIDENTIAI.

2ND DRAFT

ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT

29. Major aircraft and equipment changes during 1975-76 are as

follows:

a. Jaguars

The

Deliveries to the Royal Air Force are continuing.

Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Lossiemouth will reach

full strength by the end of the year, by which time nearly

all the two-seater T Mark 2 trainers ordered will have been

delivered. The first two offensive support squadrons of

Jaguar GR Mark is have already formed in Strike Command, and

the first three strike/attack squadrons in RAF Germany

will be built up during the year and will replace the

present squadrons of Phantom FGR2s.

b.

Phantom FGR2's

The Phantom FGR2's are being replaced in the strike/

attack, offensive support, and reconnaissance roles by

Jaguars. These Phantoms are being transferred to the air

defence role and will largely replace the existing Lightning

force. The Strike Command Phantom air defence force is

likely to be complete by the end of the year.

C.

Buccaneers

An additional Buccaneer squadron has begun to form in

Strike Command.

Aircraft deliveries will be completed by

the end of the year.

d. Nimrods

A programme to refit Nimrods with new and improved

radio and telecommunications equipment will begin.

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CONFIDENTIAL