We need 4 carrier capable F35 sqns to be truly effective.
As much as this is getting very boring I don't think many people would disagree. But you can't bring a capability to the party if it doesn't yet exist. And two tiny GR9 squadrons are not the same as 4 F35 squadrons! And to buy part of what you wish for both the RAF and RN have taken significant hits. Can we move on from the historical Harrier/Carrier/GR4 point scoring and look forward to the future capabilities that will shortly arrive (assuming all the funding isn't diverted to pay for FRES....
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Of course, given that most of Libya is now in "friendly" hands (and assuming air support is still required) the question that should be asked is why aren't the RAF and AH deployed into Libya (or have I missed something)? Whilst the RAF Regt may be 'stretched' to provide FP I'm sure the Army would jump at the opportunity to get boots on the ground if recent media rumours are to be believed about the proposed future size of the Army post-Afg. I'm sure there are some old'n'bold still around who can point the young blades as to the airfields they should be going to. And hopefully then there will be no tanker support required!