Over recent months, I've read Mb upon Mb of Ppruner text decrying the money "wasted" on Cold War inspired weapons and platforms. Some well timed Oriental sabre rattling suddenly concentrates our minds on how big and scary the World is. Immediately, AA and ASW capability emerges as a required asset.
If we are serious about containing N Korea's offensive nuclear capability to within her own national boundaries, it will require a credible Naval presence and airborne maritime reconnaissance. Needless to say the Americans and the Japanese are virtually on station and equipped for the task. The French aren't on station but could, if so inclined, make a contribution. The RN, on the other hand, has been starved of resources to sustain the Army in its various current roles. Similar is probably true of the Nimrod force. We would be hard pressed to field a credible DD/FF contribution, with or without SSN support. Theoretically, the CVSs and OCEAN could make a useful contribution, so long as they stay outside a hostile air environment. They would tie up ASW assets that could be used for dedicated patrol and contraband guard, though. Similarly, the T42 have a capability that may be absorbed in providing a precautionary AA screen. Even though the N Korean Navy is principally a coastal defence force, they have sufficient SSKs to make their presence felt. At this stage, of course, we don't know what indirect threat there will be from China. How apt to say that we live in interesting times.
Let's hope that the 1st Sea Lord is as frank and honest as the CGS has proved to be.
Last edited by GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU; 16th October 2006 at 10:31.
Reason: Finger trouble.