129 should be interesting - just shows the missing link is between MoD 'sources' and Reality!
We've got 7 Sqns of GR4s (but not for long....). On paper they have 12 jets each - in reality they have 2-3 in Majors, 2 in Minors and the odd 1 or 2 with other snags or limited hours to servicing. So, the average Sqn has about 6 on the line - one Sqn in in Afghanistan, one is on POL and one ready to deploy. Even if you use one or both of the latter, we have 6 Sqns of 6 ac that's THIRTY SIX in total at way beyond Best/Sustainable effort.
I guess that you could include a few OCU jets/crews, but that would stop training and their Instructors won't be current on all the front line kit - perhaps add 4-6 jets/crews and you're just creeping over 40.
Wake up MoD/PM - the RAF front line is really really small. 129 Indeed!!!!!
