Originally Posted by
MJ89
Is there not a Squadron or more hangered up? I'm always surprised when systems are slashed then done away with so quick , harrier GR9s for instance. If this invasion has proven anything is that we maybe need to plan more of a what if, reserve. had the Tristars been up-kept just a bit, they could have been left to deteriorate slower at a current Raf field or alike.
The basic reason is money. You'd have to keep them in a controlled environment with regular maintenance so they didn't deteriorate. That means qualified, dedicated engineering staff You'd have to have aircrew with currency to be able to fly them, or a method to quickly bring former aircrew back to currency. You'd need to ensure any weaponry is maintained as well - no point in having an AIM-9 equipped airframe when all your in-date missile stocks are ASRAAM for example.
Then you have the political element - perhaps one reason the stored Harriers were got rid of was so no-one could ever restore them?