if the news items in AFM is correct the puma is being retired without replacement and the seaking is being withdrawn is that the HAR3/3a and HAS or all of them leaving chinook as the support helecopter force(Merlin to go SAR) with the HC3's being repaired for service at an exorbitant rate i'd say about the Chinook HC3 mag to Grid it and get proper MH47E's.
The capibility gap being accepted to save money to pay for the Nimrod and Astute programmes.
Under the shake-up, almost the entire RAF Regiment, which is responsible for security at bases, will be disbanded. The two remaining Jaguar squadrons will also go as will all of the RAF's 39 Puma transport helicopters and 79 GR7 Harrier jump jets. Up to five air bases will close. The Army Air Corps will also suffer the prospect of losing its entire fleet of 118 two-seat Gazelle reconnaissance helicopters.
Last edited by NURSE; 11th Jul 2004 at 14:18.