Kosovo weaknesses left troops 'exposed'

Harrier jets: Half of missile stocks 'unserviceable'

While the National Audit Office generally praised the British effort in Kosovo, it highlighted many weaknesses which could have had serious repercussions.

British forces almost ran out of weapons, communication systems were inadequate and some medicines were out of date.

The National Audit Office report praised last summer's campaign in achieving its security goals and in helping to rebuild the shattered province.

But there were many serious criticisms of the British war effort in the draft report:

Munitions

• Would have been a critical munitions shortage had air attack continued
• Over half the missile stocks of RN Harriers "unserviceable" because of heat and vibrations
• Shortage of spares meant half of flying hours were achieved by `robbing' other aircraft

Communications

• The need for secure radio could have been anticipated if MOD had learned lessons of Bosnia
• On many occasions only civilian mobile phones and satphones were working
• Troops had to compete for their use
• On the tactical level ageing Clansman systems used were insecure and the Serbs and KLA regularly monitored communications
• Up to 35% of Clansman radios required repair

Medicines

• Vast surpluses of some medical stores, eg 47 years supply of ampicillin
• Medical Supplies Agency sent out 6,000 Morphine Autojets in March 1999. The use-by date was April 1999 and the surgeon general had to extend the shelf-life