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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Challenger 2 tanks went into action in Operation Telic without their operational nuclear, biological and chemical filters having been fitted; [152767] (2) what individual protection the crews of Challenger 2 tanks had against nuclear, biological and chemical attacks other than NBC suits when in action during Operation Telic; [152769] (3) what the effect is on the operating efficiency of Challenger 2 tanks when their crew members are wearing nuclear, biological and chemical suits; and for how long it is deemed practicable to continue to wear them in a tank in action. [152779] Mr. Ingram: All Challenger 2 crew members are equipped with a full set of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Individual Protective Equipment (IPE), which includes boots, gloves, a respirator and NBC suit. Crews are also trained to operate their vehicles whilst wearing this equipment. In addition to the NBC IPE issued to each Challenger 2 crew member during Operation Telic, further individual protection was provided through the issue of a prophylactic drug (Nerve Agent Pre-treatment System (NAPS)). NAPS is to be taken orally, when ordered to do so, during preparations for operations. Further protection against the-effects of nerve agents was provided in the form of atropine injectors. Atropine is self-administered following exposure to nerve agent poisoning. The length of time personnel could wear NBC IPE while in armoured vehicles and the effect on their operational efficiency would vary according to the circumstances. As stated in the National Audit Office's report, none of the Challenger 2 tanks that went into action in Operation Telic was fitted with operational Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) filters. NBC filters were available in theatre but, owing to difficulties with asset tracking, were not issued to front line units in time to be fitted during the war-fighting phase of the operation. By the time NBC filters were issued to front line units, the NBC threat was deemed to have reduced significantly owing to the attrition of possible means of delivery.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

417 c1104-5W; 152767;152769;152779

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Chemical weapons Biological weapons Nuclear weapons Protective clothing Tanks Uniforms Iraq conflict Challenger tanks

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk