Jacko
If you want your carriers and SHars you will have to justify them within the context of coalition operations
Cast your mince pies across this then.
MoD failed to tell allies of plan to axe Sea Harriers
By David Graves
(Filed: 15/06/2002)
The Government did not consult Britain's closest military allies or Nato about its plans to axe the Fleet Air Arm's Sea Harriers, the Ministry of Defence has admitted.
Ministers have argued that from 2006, when the Harriers are due to be withdrawn in a cost-cutting measure, the Navy would be able to dispatch a task force with air defence provided by a "coalition" aircraft carrier.
But the MoD has now admitted, after questioning by Tory MPs, that no advance discussions were held with America, France, Spain, Italy and Germany before the decision was announced on Feb 28.
Neither were discussions held with Lord Robertson, the Nato secretary general, Adam Ingram, the Armed Forces minister, said in a Commons written reply.
The decision to withdraw what the Navy regards as Britain's best all-weather fighter is known to have caused alarm among senior officers of the US Navy and US Air Force
Without the Sea Harriers, the Navy could not unilaterally deploy a task force from 2006 until at least 2012 when the planned new Anglo-American Joint Strike Fighter is introduced.
Ministers have argued that they cannot envisage Britain participating in any military action between 2006 and 2012 when the Navy would not be acting in partnership with allies.
But Mr Ingram admitted the MoD had kept its close allies in the dark about the decision and they would be informed officially only in Britain's annual submission to the Nato defence planning questionnaire.
unquote
You may wish to reflect as to why you are in a minority (you and Geoff Hoon) with regard to the premature disposal of the SHar. Why is it that those that command our forces and coalition forces do not share your opinions.
The decision should be reversed and now is a good time to achieve it.
FEBA