The RAF already commits the E-3 Sentry to NATO as part of the complete NAEW&C infrastructure, however, there is also the national hat should the need arise.
Funding will be the big issue with the main question being who will pay for what.
LI's from Kosovo identified a raft of things from the air side alone; such as a lack of AAR/Strat & Tact AT/SH & AH, minimal SEAD/DEAD & CAS capable platforms & a limited choice of smart weapons being available throughout the European nations. Almost 10 years on I would argue that Europe is in a worse state with even fewer numbers of platforms being available to conduct all of the various roles needed. Granted, technology is smarter and we can (have to) do more with less.
You then get in to the realm of getting all member nations, or should that be states?, agreeing where, when and on what all of that lovely money will be spent on.
If we were to go down a route then:
- Which nations defence industry would benefit most?
- Who would be best for Ship building?
- Who would be best for small arms/artillery?
- Who would be best for the aero industry?
- Is there a 'smart' smart weapons specialist nation?
- Where would the workshare go?
A political nightmare from my humble opinion.
SA