The world stage is an expensive place but other countries seem to manage without dozens of fighters and bombers.
But we are a maritime power dependent on SLOC so we need a strong navy. So are many other countries dependent on SLOC but manage with littoral forces, perhaps even just CG cutters.
We need a nuclear deterrent to assure our place on the UNSC. Why? We do have a VETO but do we use it?
The argument should be Britain's world role, pay up or get out.