TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 34

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

umber of VC10 and Hercules aircraft in operation will be reduced

from 66 to 47; the Belfast Squadron of ten aircraft is not

affected.

The size of the planned RAP helicopter tactical

transport force will be reduced by about one quarter by cutting the

number of Whirlwinds in Cyprus and disbanding the Wessex squadron in

Singapore; and by abandoning current plans for a new purchase

of medium-lift helicopters for support of the Army from 1977.

The Nimrod maritime patrol force will be reduced by a quarter.

58.

The withdrawal from most of our non-NATO commitments will

enable us to reduce the task and size of the RAF Regiment. We

are therefore examining the structure of the Regiment to determine

how its remaining tasks can best be met. We foresee no changes in

its responsibilities for

operating

the Rapier low level air

defence system.

59. The reduction in the size of the KAF transport force and

economies in training, communication and general support aircraft will

enable the Royal Air Force to concentrate some smaller units at major

stations with good facilities, such as Brize Norton and Lyneham;

and to withdraw from some twelve stations or airfields during the

period covered by the Defence Review. The stations which the Royal Air Force

propose to vacate are Leconfield, Driffield, Bicester, Chessington,

Colerne, Thorney Island, West Raynham, Little Rissington, Tern Hill, Hullavington, Medmenham and Biggin Hill, though they may need to

retain enclaves at Leconfield and West Raynham. The process of

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CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL