Defence is at a crossroads - The Times

[Geehovah]

Could I be radical and offer a potential scenario

Iraq is now off the political agenda

Give it two years and economic reality will set in and we will withdraw from AFG. Far fetched I know.................

So returning to Air Power 101

Rule No 1. Defend the Home Base

Task No 1 of a campaign. Establish Air Superiority over the battlefield
Task No 2. Police the AOR
Task No 3. Defend the LOCs
Task No 4.................... Well, let's leave this speculation to campaign planners

Now lets just consider what we may need to cover those tasks as an Air Force. I suspect Typhoon may have a long term future in this role.

Lets not lose sight of the reason we are an Air Force and lets not allow the Army to talk us out of what we should be planning for. We have politicians to do that.

And I won't offer any observations that we appear to have insufficient cash to fund a small scale intervention at what used to be considered Squadron strength.

Now maybe the leadership hasn't actually been blinded by short-termism....

And before anyone says it; I'm not decrying the invaluable contribution of all the combat support forces who do miracles with worn out kit. Heroes to a man/woman.