Jacko,
With respect, I can't remember when I last mentioned the Falklands and secondly, I do have an open mind on this subject and if you read VA Tod's comments you will see why it is so important to maintain flexibility in approach to the threats that face us or could potentially face us.
Air power is vital - we all agree on that. Your argument is that usable airbases can crop up anywhere in the world where and when we want them is pure fantasy. No one else but you seems to believe it. The answer is to have your own which you can park within 500nm of an enemy coast and hit him anytime you want from the direction you want. They are cost effective, flexible and punch beyond their weight by virtue of the surprise factor.
Lets look at some examples:
Pearl Harbour
Taranto
Coral Sea
A large chunk of the Korean and Vietnam wars
Has it sunk in yet? These are complimentary capabilities. the lessons of 1966 have been learned - even by the bunch of retards we have in govt now.
Respectfully yours,
Navaleye
Last edited by Navaleye; 8th September 2004 at 21:52.