Last Updated: 29 Oct 01 ( MoD )

Ground Based Air Defence

With the SDR's emphasis on deployability and flexibility, Rapier and the High Velocity Missile (Starstreak) ground based air defence systems are key elements of our overall air defence capability.

The Army currently operates a mixture of Rapier Field Standard B and C systems, and the Starstreak high velocity missile; the RAF Regiment operates Rapier Field Standard C.

A degree of commonality and coordination exists between Army and RAF Rapier units, but full interoperability between the two Services has been hindered by differences in equipment, procedures and training.

To derive the maximum operational benefit from new equipment coming into service, and improve overall cost-effectiveness, a joint Army / RAF ground based air defence organisation will be formed. It will ultimately operate common Rapier equipment with common procedures, standards and support.

We will achieve this by:

• continuing existing plans to introduce Rapier Field Standard C into service to replace all Field Standard B systems;
• establishing a joint training school for Rapier Field Standard C at RAF Honington by 1 April 1999 (Field Standard B and Starstreak training will remain with the Army at Larkhill);
• continuing with plans to bring into service a range of command, control and communications equipment that will allow greater coordination and the sharing of air defence tasks;
• establishing a joint headquarters for ground based air defence by 2002. Its exact size, structure and location will be subject to further detailed study.

The Army will continue to operate the high velocity missile system.

A joint ground based air defence headquarters and organisation will help ensure that, through full interoperability and the sharing of air defence tasks, we make the most efficient and effective use of our ground based air defence equipment.

 

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18/05/05