The Ministry of Defence is considering options to enhance the capability of the Royal Air Force Envoy IV aircraft, including the possible installation of defensive systems.
Responding to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the government is examining potential upgrades to the fleet.
The Envoy IV aircraft are used by the RAF for transport duties, including the movement of ministers, senior military personnel and other officials. Obese-Jecty asked what progress had been made in installing both a defensive aid suite and missile countermeasure systems on the aircraft. Pollard said the department was currently reviewing potential capability enhancements.
“Options to expand the future capability of the Envoy IV fleet are under consideration, including the installation of a defensive aid suite.”
The Envoy IV fleet consists of two Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft introduced into RAF service in 2022 as part of the Command Support Air Transport recapitalisation programme, replacing the BAe 146 fleet. The aircraft initially entered service in a civil configuration and are currently operated on the Civil Aircraft Register.
Under the programme’s next phase, the aircraft are expected to transition to the Military Aircraft Register and receive military modifications intended to enable operations in more demanding environments. These modifications were planned to include systems such as military GPS and a defensive aid suite.
Defensive aid suites typically include systems designed to detect and counter threats such as incoming missiles, using sensors, electronic countermeasures and flare or decoy systems.
The MoD did not provide a timeline for any potential upgrades.
The Union Jack is slight give away.
Not just the 145s, the BAE 125s were cut as well.