If NATO now has to hunt for Scud launchers, then this capability (carrier strike) gap
Seem to remember the UK contribution in the 'scud' hunting campaign during TELIC was all from land based aircraft (both GR9
and GR4), some of which were based a considerable distance away from their 'search' areas.
I also seem to recall that the GR4 force were bought in at a very late stage when it dawned on the 'planners' that they may need an aircraft capable of operating at night, at very low level, in very poor weather. Good job we haven't got a capability gap there then .... which we would if we had canned the TGRF
So we (i.e UK
and NATO) still have an exceptionally good 'scud hunting' capability (if it is needed). Without having to spend any further money on "new" capabilities. Or "borrow" carrier capable aircraft. Or bring any assets out of retirement.
