Originally Posted by
green granite
But where would they get the money from to run an air force?
North Sea oil output is in rapid decline
The increasing costs of oil are likely to make the exploration West of Shetland more economic, so thatmight have to be factored in. there is also the question of raising revenues by offering basing and operation rights to the remaining UK.
Someone mentioned the Irish model, based on economic protection - another comparator might be the current New Zealand model (eeek!) -transport and recce, but no combat capability.
Most projections seem based on the idea of an SNP Govt - however, the possibility exists that if we ever voted for Independance, a subsequent Government could be of another persuasion.