TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 58

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ANNEX E TO

ATTACHMENT TO COSSEC 108/756 DATED 14 APR 89

SCOUT HELICOPTER OPERATIONAL CONTINGENCY TASKS

1.

From 1989 until such time as the RHKP assumes

reponsibility for the whole border and takes over the

majority of military tasks (about 1993), the minimum force level of Scouts required to provide operational helicopter support in a contingency situation for the simultaneous conduct of IS support and demonstration of sovereignty is 6 aircraft. This number of aircraft is required in order to fulfil tasks as follows:

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a. Two aircraft in support of IS units both police and military. ('Eagle' helicopter spot-check operations, liaison, rooftop insertion, command and control.)

b. One aircraft in support of anti II ops on the border. This is a permanent requirement. This aircraft will also operate in support of the sovereignty demonstration role if the border is

reinforced.

c. One aircraft for long range cross border photographic reconaissance (1). This aircraft is a principal intelligence gathering element and crucial to timely deployment on the border to preempt Chinese

intervention.

Note:

1.

Once the aircraft is rigged for this task it cannot be used for other tasks. Equipment takes 3 hours to fit/re-role. Aircraft will therefore remain in this role for extended periods.

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