SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
86. The first phase of the reorganisation of the command and control of the land forces hinges on the withdrawal of the second battalion.
It should therefore be considered in detail prior to 1993, and
confirmed in the Biennial Review scheduled for that year. It should also be possible by 1993 to provide a clearer picture of the second
phase of the reorganisation.
AIR
87. 1989 Helicopter Studies.
Following the remit of CDS 7/87 and CDS 13/89, separate studies were conducted during 1989 into the future. levels of Wessex and Scout support that will be required as the withdrawal progresses. Both studies recognised the principle that as ground troops thin out, the requirement for operational flexibility.
and mobility increases.
88.
(5)
Wessex.
a. The revised Hong Kong Concept of Operations accepts and plans for the possibility of simultaneous involvement in IS and Territorial Integrity (TI) operations, thereby demanding a credible airmobile capability. In order to meet the Concept there is a requirement for the foreseeable future to deliver an infantry company in 2 waves, and this necessitates a Wessex force level of 8 airframes to guarantee the availability of the 6
required for such a lift. This level is in accord with CDS 13/89 which recognised that an airframe level of 6 on Air Establishment
(AE) plus 2 In Use Reserve (IUR)
(IUR) would be needed until
until the
handover of the border to the RHKP is completed.
b. The Wessex Study (5) points out, however, that even when the
RHKP are in full control of the border it would be premature to
HK 10011 J3 Ops dated 5 Jul 89.
Page 33 of 47 pages
LOCSEN
UK EYES A
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