RileyDove,
So we agree then. There are instances when the UK needs a short term low footprint response such as Pakistan and others that needs the ability to shift large amounts of equipment over a slower time the way 90% of the world's trade is shifted.
But it's too much to accept that the same goes for tactical aircraft?
And on the Adriatic days in the mid 90's when the Italian bases were fogged out in the north and the carriers were asked to pick up the slack, the commander was able to say "how jolly lucky I was to have assets that are only 70 nm from the gate in clear weather as opposed to tanking assets from 400nm away to fill the holes in my air cover." (CAS/RECCE/AD)
Thank goodness your not going to be running a future air campaign, you'll be suggesting next that aircraft win wars and the army isn't required.