Originally Posted by
Dominator2
Since the C130J was an essential element in recent operations maybe the MOD will reconsider their decision on early retirement?
I'm sure that those involved will once again be able to explain the critical gap that the ac fills. If, as a world power the UK needs 3 different types of Tactical Aircraft to provide the capability required, and to keep our people safe, then so be it.
Maybe AM Daltons solution was TOO simple?
I doubt they will change their decision as this is obviously a financial, not an operational decision.
Whether it’s the withdraw from Afghanistan, the war in the Ukraine or the current need to withdraw UK nationals from the Sudan we need more, not less transport aircraft. As good as the C17 & Atlas are they can only be in place at once & are too big for some roles, hence apart from Belgium & Luxembourg every other Atlas operator operate smaller aircraft (C130, C235, C295) to supplement their Atlas fleet.