Written question asked by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 May 1996. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 May 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What contribution Britain has made to Operation Purple Star; what is the purpose of the exercise.

Answer: Mr. David Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution Britain has made to Operation Purple Star; what is the purpose of the exercise; and if he will make a statement.[28277] Mr. Soames: Exercise Purple Star is the culmination of a four-year cycle of purple exercises. The UK is contributing some 12,000 forces to what is the largest combined UK-US deployment since the Gulf crisis in 1991. The UK commitment includes a maritime task force of some 30 ships, led by HMS Illustrious and including an escort force of six destroyers/frigates and two nuclear-powered attack submarines. Sixty RAF aircraft are to take part, including a force of 20 Harrier and Tornado fast jets in the offensive air role and 18 troop-carrying helicopters. In addition 3 Commando Brigade and 5 Airborne Brigade, key elements of the joint rapid deployment force, will also participate. The purpose of the exercise is to give UK and US forces practice in operating together in a force of this size. The UK is also using the exercise to provide useful operational experience to the newly formed permanent joint headquarters, and to examine the strategic deployment, command, control and maintenance of JRDF elements.

Secondary information