Gulf war games 'exposed UK's weakness'

UK troops could be deployed in Iraq

Equipment used by UK troops on last year's military desert exercises in Oman failed to work properly and fell apart in high temperatures, it has emerged.

A report by the National Audit Office in London has found that tanks, helicopters, self-propelled guns and heavy lifting vehicles all struggled in the desert heat and dust.

It also concluded that some of the clothing issued to troops was hopelessly inadequate and that boots melted in the heat.

Such shortcomings may have relevance for any military strike against Iraq as speculation mounts that Britain may join a possible US-led attack to oust Saddam Hussein.

For three months last year, 22,000 British troops went to Oman for Saif Sareea, Britain's biggest desert exercise since the Gulf War.

The National Audit Office report says the UK was successful in sending forces a long distance but aircraft were very stretched.

Half the tanks and nearly half the helicopters broke down.

Parts of some artillery guns melted and many troops sweltered in boots and uniforms designed for British winters.

The army's main battle tank - Challenger 2 - ground to a halt as dust clogged its filters.

Communications' systems were vulnerable, which resulted in some units unable to talk to each other.

Such revelations suggest Britain may struggle to take part in any US-led attack on Iraq.