Peter Carter
In the mid-70s when I was flying the Buccaneer from Laarbruch, it didn't feel to me that the cold war was waning
I totally agree, for those of us who served in 2ATAF and 4ATAF in the 1970s and early 80s the Cold War was very real. It is very annoying for those who were born or served after that period to voice an opinion on something they do NOT understand.
For my part it was enhancing the Low Level Air Defences within 2ATAF in the F4 Phantom, behind the Hawk Belt and below the Nikes. Not necessarily as glamorous as carrying a Nuke, however, an essential part of
The Deterrent.