I was around at the time and despite Maggie's efforts, there were no rows of shiny jets all lined up. Far from it. I recall a headline from the late 70s (possibly Express or Fail) announcing that the RAF had just 78 fighters to defend the UK.
I was simply making the point that the money IS there, it's just that these out of touch public-school disasters would prefer to spend it anywhere but HERE.
I read today that "we" send £27,000,000 in "aid" to CHINA, whilst British troops still have questionable gear in Afganistan...due to "lack of money."