RAF radical new plans
Verfasst: Donnerstag 17. Dezember 2009, 11:49
RAF News
Frontline our priority
15 December 2009
The RAF is to receive 22 new Chinooks as part of a wide ranging review of the provision of frontline air power, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced.
Under the radical plans RAF Cottesmore is to close and the RAF's remaining Harrier squadrons moved to nearby Wittering before being phased out in 2018. As part of the Cottesmore closure in 2013, 1 Sqn will be disbanded.
Other commitments include a doubling of Reaper provision, the purchase of a C17 Globemaster to strengthen the airbridge, enhancement of the C130 J fleet, and a massive £150 million programme to combat IEDs including 400 new battlefield bomb robots and detectors.
Nimrod MR2 is to be withdrawn from service early, and improved pre-deployment training, night vision goggles and body armour will be provided to Army troops and the RAF Regiment.
The additional Chinook provision is expected to provide a 40 per cent lift in operational capability, increasing the fleet from 48 to 70 airframes. The RAF will fly the new Chinook alongside the Merlins which arrived in Afghanistan last month.
The first 10 Chinooks will be delivered by 2012 and deployment ready by 2013.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: “Our forces on the frontline in Afghanistan repeatedly tell me that Chinook are indispensable on operations. I am therefore delighted to announce plans to deliver more of these robust, effective and proven battle-winning helicopters.
“Helicopter capability has already doubled in the last three years and this future strategy builds on this, ensuring that our Armed Forces have the very best resources at their disposal.”
Frontline our priority
15 December 2009
The RAF is to receive 22 new Chinooks as part of a wide ranging review of the provision of frontline air power, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced.
Under the radical plans RAF Cottesmore is to close and the RAF's remaining Harrier squadrons moved to nearby Wittering before being phased out in 2018. As part of the Cottesmore closure in 2013, 1 Sqn will be disbanded.
Other commitments include a doubling of Reaper provision, the purchase of a C17 Globemaster to strengthen the airbridge, enhancement of the C130 J fleet, and a massive £150 million programme to combat IEDs including 400 new battlefield bomb robots and detectors.
Nimrod MR2 is to be withdrawn from service early, and improved pre-deployment training, night vision goggles and body armour will be provided to Army troops and the RAF Regiment.
The additional Chinook provision is expected to provide a 40 per cent lift in operational capability, increasing the fleet from 48 to 70 airframes. The RAF will fly the new Chinook alongside the Merlins which arrived in Afghanistan last month.
The first 10 Chinooks will be delivered by 2012 and deployment ready by 2013.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: “Our forces on the frontline in Afghanistan repeatedly tell me that Chinook are indispensable on operations. I am therefore delighted to announce plans to deliver more of these robust, effective and proven battle-winning helicopters.
“Helicopter capability has already doubled in the last three years and this future strategy builds on this, ensuring that our Armed Forces have the very best resources at their disposal.”