The current effort from Italy involves huge sums spent on tanker aircraft flying from Cyprus, fuel for strike aircraft flying the 1,200-mile trip to the target and back, accommodating air crews and support staff in hotels, and flying supplies from Britain.
Major General Julian Thompson would have more credibility if he got his facts straight - tanker's are in Sicily which is a tad close than Cyprus (but sounds less wasteful), and as for hotac costing money I guess that Carriers are free, cost nothing to buy or run & don't need any re-supply.
This kind of nonsense, from a distinguished officer who's out of touch, makes me cross!
Rant off.