Britain: An official handbook > 1977

DEFENCE
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and may be expected to increase, particularly through the work of the Euro¬
group. The most important single project is the Tornado multi-role combat
aircraft being developed by Britain, Italy and the Federal Republic of
Germany; agreement on its production was’reached in July 1976. A number
of Anglo-French projects—the Jaguar aircraft, the Martel air-to-surface
missile, the Puma, Gazelle and Lynx helicopters—are now in service. Britain,
the Federal Republic of Germany and Italy are collaborating in the develop¬
ment of 155-mm towed and self-propelled howitzers, while Britain and the
Federal Republic are studying the possible collaborative development of a
future main battle tank. Britain and Belgium are partners in a programme for
the development and production of a family of tracked combat reconnaissance
vehicles.
Britain has also co-operated with Australia on the Ikara anti-submarine
equipment.
Equipment collaboration also facilitates joint logistic support and training
arrangements, like those being discussed between Britain and four other
European countries which have agreed to purchase the Lance surface-to-
surface missile system from the United States.
National Projects A considerable number of projects, covering all the main equipment areas, are
under development. They include the Hawk jet trainer, the Rapier low-level
surface-to-air guided weapon system, the Sea Wolf short-range surface-to-air
guided missile, navigation and attack systems for aircraft, radar, sonar and
communications systems, the anti-submarine cruiser, a new range of logistic
vehicles for battlefield support, a new type of tank armour, Chobham Armour,
giving a high level of protection against all forms of attack, including guided
weapons and the Wisp and Wideye remotely piloted helicopters.
Production Following the development of defence equipment, either nationally or in
co-operation with allies, production is usually undertaken by private industry
on a contract basis or by the Royal Ordnance Factories and Royal Dockyards.
Production may also be undertaken on a collaborative basis. The Defence
Sales organisation provides support, assistance and advice to British industry
and the Royal Ordnance Factories in promoting the sales of defence equipment
overseas. In 1976-77 the value of exports of British defence equipment is
expected to reach £700 million.