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1988, whereupon 3 RSRM could be withdrawn - although 2 FPC could be retained to be operated by RN/RM crews from the duty PC. This last aspect is a subject for further study.
OTHER RN ASSETS
60. Subject to HKG's development of its own facilities, RN diving, re-compression and EOD teams could be withdrawn by
about 1990. Contract arrangements for some of the RN's small craft services, notably ferry operations, may prove cheaper or be desirable for other reasons; if this is confirmed, reductions are anticipated in 1987/88. Reductions in certain categories
of support personnel, such as caterers, should also be possible
around the same time. This sort of consideration applies
generally.
THE AIR PLAN
CURRENT MILITARY HELICOPTER FORCE
61. Hong Kong's mountainous terrain, its numerous islands, lack of roads in outlying areas and frequent severe congestion on urban roads, are all factors which require military
helicopters to provide the essential mobility for the garrison
to carry out its IS and anti-II roles and training for limited
war. The present Wessex aircraft establishment (AE) is based
on the requirement for a simultaneous lift of half an infantry company in an IS situation. A minimum of 6 Wessex are required to meet this commitment. The current strength of 28 Sqn RAF is 8 aircraft ensuring a reasonable probability of providing this lift. For certain other roles (eg. liaison, observation, command and control and air photography) AAC Scouts are more
cost-effective, and in some cases better suited, than Wessex. 660 Sqn AAC's AE is 8 aircraft in Hong Kong (plus 3 in Brunei).
COS 8/170/11
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