crab@etc
Your view that there 'has not been any need for air combat since the Korean War' is nonsensical in several respects.
For example, the nature of the Cold War throughout the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's was based on deterrence and preparedness - and the UK played a key role along with its NATO partners in this respect. Are you seriously implying that the RAF's operation of various types of AD aircraft throughout that period was wasteful?