June 2010:
However, one piece of good news expected in the (SDSR) review is that the SAS is to get ten new helicopters worth £100 million.
The order for the twin-engined European-built NH90s will boost operations in Afghanistan, where commanders have long demanded more capability to airlift troops. But the Special Forces would have preferred the more expensive US-built Black Hawks, which are seen as tougher and more reliable.
I would not start the gloating process just yet. These things change often and the NH90 order was confirmed in Parliament, but as we know is now dead in the water. Possesion is 10/10 of the Law and the green Merlins are yet to have Royal Navy written on the side. We may yet get an RAF that flies and a Navy that sails. The Navy got to keep their Carriers of that they can be pleased however I suspect that at best there will be a Sqn manned by both shades of blue in the seats. We may even get to see a common 'con' (VM) in the near future. SDSR has few winners and much compromise, a trend that I can see this thread concluding with.