If this SDSR amounted to a straight fight for survival between Tornados and Harriers, could it not be argued that the R.A.F. would be left virtually an air force... without an air force of which to speak. Somehow the thought of retaining one Harrier squadron as against 7 down to 5 Tornado sqns, would represent a reprehensible depletion of the R.A.F. frontline. With only 3 out of the, currently, expected 5 sqns of Typhoons already here. I can't quite believe we'd be left now with an R.A.F. of just a frontline strength of 4 sqns. Don't forget, they'd need to be back out to Afghanistan. I think this would ruin the chances of them likewise getting involved in this Libyan NEO as the initials jargon goes. If that type of aircraft was needed, Tornados and or Typhoons would operate quit effortlessly from Malta, I'm sure. And without the same strain (if it were Harriers) on the Afghan deployment. This is a Navy and Army capabilities first and foremost argument.
FB
