Chappie - it's good to hear you cutting through all the bluster and flannel of JSPs, UORs and the rest to put your demands in a clear, unequivocal manner.
nigegilb, is it really wise to rely on 'plans' to fit ESF? Clear programme dates with mandatory deadlines, perhaps. But some hot air uttered by a faceless, non-accountable Monastery of Definance statement? Err, no. In my opinion.
Are all the other AT/AAR assets based in theatre also being provided with a comprehensive defensive aids sub system. Not something like the useless antique kit we had on the Vulcan, but something which is both state of the art and actually works?
The 'fast jet-centric' RAF seems intent to spend billions on the EuropHoon which has about as much chance of being used in Afghanistan or Iraq as a Tucano. Bliar's little 'come as you are and bring a bottle' wars have provided RW, AT, AAR, Recce and 'Nimrod' fleets with massive tasking levels - and they should be the ones receiving the largest chunk of the ever-shrinking budget - not some pointy thing which rushes around Lincolnshire and makes a lot of noise at RIAT.