ORAC
15th Sep 2002, 16:39
"Corporate Communications"??? :( :(
Letter to the Times: Hope after Harriers
THE Sea Harrier is playing an important role in defending the fleet, but when it is phased out there are other air defences that we have updated, or are improving between now and 2012, that will ameliorate its loss (News, August 25).
We have improved our detection capability with the E3D aircraft, and our updated Early Warning SeaKing. Our “middle-layer” defences (SeaDart), and the fleet’s radars have been enhanced and we will see a quantum leap in both these areas when the new Destroyers start arriving in 2007. We are improving our ability to engage missiles and introducing a sophisticated new “decoy”.
It is wrong then for Commander Nigel (Sharkey) Ward to say we will have “no protection” against missiles. The Sea Harrier has difficulty flying in the hot and humid climates in which we now want it to operate. The upgraded GR9, on the other hand, will fly in more demanding conditions and will also employ smart, precision weapons, and the sidewinder missile. The chief of defence staff and chief of naval staff agree with this decision, and are not retiring as a result of it.
Commodore R Leaman
Director Corporate Communications (Navy), MoD
Letter to the Times: Hope after Harriers
THE Sea Harrier is playing an important role in defending the fleet, but when it is phased out there are other air defences that we have updated, or are improving between now and 2012, that will ameliorate its loss (News, August 25).
We have improved our detection capability with the E3D aircraft, and our updated Early Warning SeaKing. Our “middle-layer” defences (SeaDart), and the fleet’s radars have been enhanced and we will see a quantum leap in both these areas when the new Destroyers start arriving in 2007. We are improving our ability to engage missiles and introducing a sophisticated new “decoy”.
It is wrong then for Commander Nigel (Sharkey) Ward to say we will have “no protection” against missiles. The Sea Harrier has difficulty flying in the hot and humid climates in which we now want it to operate. The upgraded GR9, on the other hand, will fly in more demanding conditions and will also employ smart, precision weapons, and the sidewinder missile. The chief of defence staff and chief of naval staff agree with this decision, and are not retiring as a result of it.
Commodore R Leaman
Director Corporate Communications (Navy), MoD