"when was the last time we dropped an atomic bomb or launched an atomic missile in anger?"
Good point, which explains why the RAF got rid of the V force in the 60s and the entire nuclear strike role in the 90s.
The changing threat also explained why the entire F-4 fleet vanished, then RAFG along with a portion of the GR1 force. It also explains the loss of the Maritime strike role and the reduced strength of the Nimrod force. It also helps explain the expected cuts in the Typhoon and/or JSF orders.
What's you justification for being immune from political and economic reality?
If there were any more funds available, I would have thought the present threat would justify a reinforced QRA posture before keeping an aircraft who's main justification seems to be protecting it's own carrier and the ships doing nothing but help support and defend it.
