Letter from the MoD concerning the article
published in the Observer Newspaper, 23 January 2000
An article appeared in the Observer newspaper
on 23 January. It made three principal claims. First, a high proportion
of RAF aircraft are grounded; secondly, the RAF is short of pilots;
and thirdly, a new laser guided bombing system does not work properly
and is significantly over budget.
The article drew on information given in answer
to a Parliamentary Question asked by the Rt Hon Menzies Campbell
QC MP in December 1999. The answer gave details of levels of aircraft
serviceability across the RAF at a snapshot in time (8 am on 25
October).
The total Tornado GR1/4 fleet allocated to front
line units at that time was 108. Of these, 87 were either fully
serviceable (ie immediately ready to fly—53) or on first
line servicing (ie undergoing maintenance for faults normally
rectified within hours 34). This number of Tornado GR1/4 aircraft
far exceeds any number we have deployed on operations. It was
also sufficient to enable the RAF to meet its operational, training
and immediate readiness requirements, as it always does on any
given day. Indeed, in the days leading up to the snapshot, an
analysis of performance in support of operations found that over
99 per cent of tasked missions had been flown successfully.
66 Tornado GR1/4 not allocated to front line
units were undergoing either Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU), which is
incorporating new weapons, avionics and night vision systems to
provide a major uplift to Tornado's capability, or other major
servicing.
As for the claims about the Tornado MLU, this
is referring to the Thermal Image and Laser Designator (TIALD)
element of the laser guided bombing system. This precision bombing
capability is being incorporated as part of the Tornado MLU. The
aim of the overall MLU programme is to enhance Tornado's ability
to find and successfully attack its targets in all weathers and
at night. The overall MLU programme is on schedule and within
cost. 50 upgraded aircraft have been delivered so far with the
balance due by early 2003. Technical problems have been experienced
with TIALD, but these are close to resolution and an operational
clearance is expected by the middle of February.
Finally, figures on junior officer fast jet
shortages were given to the Defence Select Committee during an
evidence session on 19 January. As at 1 December 1999, the requirement
for flying and ground appointments was 554, while the actual trained
strength was 459, giving a shortfall of 95 (17.1 per cent). The
shortfall is being addressed in a number of ways, primarily to
increase retention, including the introduction of schemes to counter
the pulling factor of civil airline recruiting. These are known
as LINKUP and the RAF Civil Airline Recruiting Scheme, under which
MoD pays for RAF pilots to gain a civil license in exchange for
a commitment to remain in the RAF until at least 38. Other options
being pursued include restructuring of additional pay. It is hoped
that the combination of measures will substantially improve retention.
The RAF will continue to monitor the position and introduce new
measures if appropriate to do so.
Recruitment for RAF pilots remains buoyant.
The RAF has more than met its recruiting target this year, recruiting
208 against a target of 187. The numbers completing training and
entering service are being increased from 45 in the current year
to 60 by 2002-03.
2 February 2000
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