UK defence secretary Geoff Hoon detailed his long-awaited transformation of the UK armed forces on 21 July, cutting a number of Royal Air Force squadrons and shaking up several Ministry of Defence helicopter projects.
The MoD has launched a fresh round of equipment and personnel cuts in a bid to reduce its operating costs, despite having recently secured a £3.7 billion ($6.9 million) increase in funding. "Together with these additional funds and a programme to secure maximum benefit from efficiencies, we will ensure that our force structure matches the requirements of today's security environment," says Hoon.
The RAF's Sepecat Jaguar GR3 reconnaissance and ground-attack aircraft will be retired early, with all three squadrons to stand down by 2007. The type's main operating base at RAF Coltishall will close. Reduced air-defence requirements and operational improvements to Panavia Tornado F3s will enable the service to disband one squadron next year.
The UK's long-term strike capabilities will be provided by the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The UK's reduced requirement for anti-submarine warfare aircraft prompted a decision to cut the RAF's BAe Nimrod MR2 fleet from 21 to 16, with its replacement Nimrod MRA4 purchase reduced from 18 to 12.
However, Hoon confirms that the MoD is to buy four Boeing C-17 strategic transports at the end of their current lease period, along with a fifth aircraft. Funding to enhance or replace some utility and support helicopters has been set at £3 billion for the next 10 years, lower than previously outlined.
CRAIG HOYLE / FARNBOROUGH
Source: Flight International
