TNAG-0758-FCO40-962-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 13

SECRET/LOCSEN

NAVAL STAFF TARGET 7015

22. The Supporting Paper to NST 7015 (1) assessed the relative merits of using

The

a Frigate, patrol craft or a mix of both to undertake the above tasks.

paper concluded that while short term capital cost considerations favoured a

Frigate/patrol craft mixed force, through life costs, availability, support and

manning considerations clearly indicated that a force consisting of Patrol Craft only

would be a more cost effective long term solution. The NPC accepted this conclusion

and the associated recommendation that Material Studies should be undertaken,

based on the Patrol Craft option.

23.

These Studies were:-

8.

Craft Study. This Study was required to identify a

range of craft options to meet the requirements outlined in

the NST. It was to involve intramural costs only.

b.

Communication Study. This study was to

establish the operational requirements for communication links

between the Hong Kong patrol craft and other units and authorities

to meet the Operational Concept. It was to be conducted

by the User Requirements and Trials Section, HMS Mercury and was

to involve intramural costs only.

C.

Weapon Study. This study was to examine possible weapon

system options capable of meeting the requirements detailed in

the NST. It was to assess the cost of incremental increases in

weapon system maximum effective range. It was anticipated that

this study would be conducted in parallel with a similar study

in support of NST 7040 and that costs would be attributed to the

latter.

(1) NPC(P) 19/77 dated 25 November 1977

SECRET

9

SECRET/LOCSEN