Originally Posted by
Lucifer Morningstar
New helicopters are welcome as they have multiple roles, many of which are not combat related. I see mention above of jets for Ireland,
but in order to threaten Ireland, an adversary either has to get through Europe or the UK (or both) and possible the rest of NATO. If they have managed to do that, is there much point in Ireland having a few jets? This was effectively NZ's rationale for not replacing the A4 - a foe would probably have had to get past Australia, and if they had done that, then NZ would have no chance, so they took the pragmatic view and did not get a few newer jets. At least that was how a Kiwi explained it to me.
1) There’s no problem that can’t be solved by adding more helicopters.
2) There’s a court case coming up that may end up finding the existing reliance on the U.K. unconstitutional. Certainly, it leaves even our version of neutrality* a bit lacking in credibility when you have a 70 odd year old defence agreement with the neighbours. There may not be a choice except to provide a service domestically.
* terms and conditions apply
3) So, about those helicopters.