Is now really the time?
I find it quite unsettling that the C-130J seems to be on an unstoppable journey towards premature retirement despite the current state of world affairs.
The Ukraine war could get out of hand at any time, and require immediate mobilisation of our armed forces, along with subsequent transportation and supply flights. It seems almost cavalier to underestimate the seriousness of the situation in Europe, and proceed with this defence reduction at this time.
This isnt neccesarily about comparing the A400m and the C-130J, they can compliment each other. This is purely about the numbers of available tac aircraft, and the heightened chance that they may well all be extensivelly called upon to support the UKs aims in the not too distant future.
The loss of 5 x C-130s during Iraq/ Afghanistan operations also highlighted the need for sufficient numbers of assets.
Please can someone stop this defence reduction madness until the doomsday clock is falling back from this " time of unprecedented danger"