Originally Posted by
jimf671
I understand your point but another possible outcome would have been the evolution of a properly sorted CSAR capability as a 'big brother' to a UK SAR service which could have been a plus.
That capability exists; just not on a dedicated basis (and no, not whatever it was the Merlins thought they were doing in the early 2000's). Bottom line, I am not aware of any CSAR 'asks' that have not been met.