TNAG-2674-FCO40-3871-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 89

T

HELICOPTER FORCE LEVELS

23.

DRAFT

SECRET UK EYES A

Helicopter force levels have been subject to recent reviews, as

required by the 1991 plan. Both the Wessex and the Scout studies 12 13

were based on the new BFHK concept of operations and both acknowledged

the principle that as numbers of ground troops reduce, the requirement

for operational flexibility and mobility increase.

24.

Wessex.

Notwithstanding the handover of the border to the RHKP

and the reductions in flying support to other elements of the RHKP, a

minimum Wessex force of 6 AE and 2 IUR is required to satisfy the

operational requirement for air mobility. The requirement is to move

one infantry company in 2 waves, and is independent of Garrison force

levels. Consequently, the Wessex force level should not change until

1997, being predicated on the operational requirement and not linked

to the size of the Garrison. Savings have been made by ceasing major

servicing on the Wessex. A reduction in flying hours has already

taken place and further reductions will be made as training demand

falls. LTC funding currently provides coverage for only 4 AE and 2 IUR

from 1 April 1994.

12 HK 10011 E4 J3 Ops Study Into Wessex Force Levels In Support Of The Hong Kong Garrison (1992 Update), dated 9 November 1992.

13

HK 10011 E4 J3 Ops The Second Study Into Scout Force Levels In Support Of The Hong Kong Garrison, dated 18 December 1992.

16

SECRET UK EYES A

DRAFT