Originally Posted by
mahogany bob
Branch Fanatic
your support for the RN and amazing detailed knowledge is well respected ( my original posting from Valley was to Buccs ,probably on Ark Royal ,until it was cancelled when Denis Healey withdrew his support for carriers back in the 60s )
BUT there is a current debate going on in the States over the viability of carriers in the future and we do seem to be devoid of essential items / manpower for the realistic defence of the UK so it is reasonable to continue the debate over where to best spend the money.
A big reason to keep the carriers of course is the vast amount of money already spent.
You make a common mistake. The UK's defences, together with those of our NATO allies, are not to fight wars, but to prevent them. They are a visible and physical manifestation of the intent to work closely with our friends, to support each other and make an attack on any one of them a futile exercise. Carriers and nuclear submarines are expensive, but not as expensive as war. Despite his stupid attempt to overrun Ukraine, Putin knows very well what would happen to his tin-pot country if he were foolish enough to attack NATO. That is what defence is for.