Icarus, that is not a problem area as we have the
AWACS and the Typhoon both quite capable of satisfying the air policing role.
The issue is really about whether we need all the other power projection tools
with what I believe is a red herring when talking of expeditions in Asia. They
might be nice symetric warfare but as others have said, not really our concern
as the potential protagonists all have superior forces to us.
Air policing role satisfied, good thing
and let's forget about unnecessary far eastern adventures but would it not be helpful/advisable to have MPA protection for our own deterrent? If only to have something available, in the event, to give any ambitious gents a bloody nose before they demolish us. A little satisfaction at least?