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A Harrier can be on task within 30 minutes of a call - FT.com
From Cmdr Nigel D. MacCartan-Ward.
Sir, With reference to your editorial “Careless talk and UK military” (June 27): it is unfortunate that you should offer an opinion on the capabilities of the aircraft carrier and the Harrier jet and their relevance to the Libya campaign without getting your facts straight.
Indeed, your facts concerning land-based air (Royal Air Force) and sea-based air (Harrier) are diametrically in error.
Launched from a carrier, the Harrier has at least as good firepower as the Tornado and can be on task delivering weapons within 30 minutes of a call for urgent support from ground forces. In stark contrast, the Tornado and other land-based aircraft operating from Italy have a transit time of 1.5 hours to get to the target and require air-to-air refuelling. Further, these land-based aircraft insist on having 24 hours’ notice for close air support missions in support of ground forces.
This major delay puts lives at risk; not just in Libya but also in Afghanistan, where the same appalling procedural practices are employed.
Sharkey Ward,
St George’s, Grenada
Commander, Royal Navy (retd)