TNAG-1941-FCO40-2767-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 153

CONFIDENTIAL UK EYES A

parachute brigade and the Special Operations Groups.

The

latter are specialists in guerrilla warfare, and are organized generally in two-company groups. The Spanish Legion, some

eight battalions, was originally raised for service in the

colonies and is fit and tough, but has no particular skills.

Spanish SF are drawn from the Police and Guardia Civil and are

currently structured for internal security operations. The Spanish navy will probably retain about 10,000 marines,

including a landing element geared to deploy three levels of force, one up to 250 men strong based on a special operations unit, one up to 2000 strong, and one with a planned maximum strength of 4000 men. The navy will probably continue to deploy considerable numbers of ships across a wide range of roles, including a VSTOL aircraft carrier. The Spanish air forces' operational elements will be built round F-18s and EFA, with transport support and a minor MPA element.

6.

Portugal. The Portuguese armed forces are handicapped by

a chronic shortage of resources. However, the army is

expected to have a Special Forces Brigade based on two commando battalions, while the navy will probably retain its

Marine Corps, some 2,500 strong, and a limited amphibious capability. The navy will probably seek to retain the balance of its present small force-mix of frigates, patrol vessels and

submarines, and to regain an MCM capability. The air force currently lacks a true AD fighter but will have difficulty

funding a purchase. Its focus is therefore likely to remain on ground-attack and ASUW, with a limited transport

capability. The air force will also probably continue to

provide a Parachute Corps of some 2,500 men. Though not NATO- assigned, this force exercises with the Spanish, Italians and

Belgians.

7. Belgium. The core of Belgium's land intervention capability OOA will probably be provided by its para-commando regiment of three battalions. The Belgian navy is expected to remain focused on mine-warfare, and the air force will remain

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UK EYES A CONFIDENTIAL