Originally Posted by
Sunk at Narvik
Sir Percy,
I know its not you making that argument, but its an argument that can be made for almost every high value equipment program, for example:
- When was the last time the RAF needed to defend UK airspace?
- When was the last time we deployed an armoured division in defence of UK national interests?
- When was the last time a Vanguard SSBN was used in anger?
The list could go on and on. Not having a capability leaves you with two choices- either take no action at all because you can't, or be subservient to someone who has retained the capability. In the UK's case we have trundled along with the USA for far to long.
Or more importantly when was the last war we had planned, trained or equipped to fight?
we have to fight the war that happens rather than the one we want to fight therefore we need a rounded and balanced armed forces not the mess we have at the minite.
we need to have the flexibility to launch an armoured force or a light force anywhere in the world with adaquate support and capable of looking after itself.