Indeed. In recent conflicts the most important RAF assets available to Force Commanders have been PR9s, tankers, and Nimrods of all versions.
RAF fast jets - you have GOT to be joking. Tornado F3 or F-15C? Let's think about that.... GR4 or F-15E? Even the Jaguar, which gave such good service in both Gulf Wars, has yet to be replaced.
The pointy-headed AirWheels with their fast jet blinkers have failed to grasp the notion that the PR9 needed replacement. So instead the only really useful RAF aircraft are now incredibly ancient and their replacements still years away from ISD.
If it wasn't so serious it'd be a sick joke.