I still remain to be convinced that
providing a comparable service by civilians would be cheaper.
I was in MoD a few years ago when SAR civilianisation was raised (as it regularly is). Much of the financial justification was made by comparisons with the then-new DHFS, and it was amazingly difficult to convince Sir Humphrey and his gang that putting 24 Squirrels on the line at one base 9-5 five days a week was a touche different from putting 2 Sea Kings (or equivalent) on line 24/7/365 in penny packets at a many different locations ....
That said, it will probably happen as "the pound is king". Cynical moi predicts the following:
1. Privatisation proceeds on flawed Investment Appraisal.
2. "No more resources available" when it is discovered that military system cannot be replicated.
3. Service provided cut somehow - probably closing flights/extending reaction times - to fit what Sir Humphrey wants to spend.
Remember .... you heard it here first......
