Not so many years ago, every man and his dog seemed to argue that frigates, carriers, submarines, fighter aircraft, AWACS, armour were no longer needed, yet today:
1. The RAF Typhoon force is bust dealing with Russian incursions into UK airspace, contributes to NATO air policing, plays a role in NATO exercises like those in the Baltic, and continues the fight against the terrorists of Daesh.
2. The UK has committed a carrier group to NATO - including for the defence of maritime logistics and amphibious forces.
3. The amphibious forces are busy - both for NATO and national roles.
4. Submarines are busy.
5. The RAF ISTAR force continues to be much in demand, as does the Chinook force, which is supporting operations in the UK, exercises in the Baltic and HMS
Queen Elizabeth's preparations for her WESTLANT 19 deployment, and the French in Mali.
6. British armour, as part of NATO, plays a role in NATO activities in the Baltic states.
7. In the Middle East: