UK SAM capabilities and the future
Whilst reading the threads on defence of the Falklands and other possible future scenarios, I began to wonder why it is that we in the UK have allowed our SAM capability to dwindle from its heyday in the (late 60's?).
Whilst Field Standard C Rapier is a long way removed from the Rapier that came into service in the early 70's I wonder why we don't have something in our inventory with a bigger stick. SHORAD is fine for point defence of assets but wouldn't it be nice to have some PAC-3 Patriot batteries sat at MPA, or deployed anywhere else we go that might require some meaningful AD?
Whenever we look at potential operations/scenarios the modern double digit SAM is a major factor in what we can do and where/when/how. Isn't this why we are spending so much money on a stealthy, sensor fused F35 rather than some Rhinos/Growlers?
So how come we don't invest in such a useful capability when just about everyone else in the world thinks its a vital cog in their IADGE?
Standfast the RN with T45 and Aster/PAAMs/Sea Viper when its finally working. But that would rely on use of the Littoral, and doesn't the RAF always bang on about friendly basing and deploying to an airfield rather than a ship ASAP?
Thoughts?