With the "fourth largest Defence budget in the World", the UK Armed Forces are rapidly being made unfit for purpose. Our Admirals, Generals and Air Marshals have totally failed to match our future defence requirements with the UK budget. Why have they committed us to a few outrageously expensive trophy projects in a world where the real tasks could be met at a much lower cost? The USA will continue to provide the lead in Western world defence technology and mega-buck projects. The UK should now be consolidating a position of broard capability that suits our pockets and, the reality of the changing world. Now is not the time for shrinking core, defence of the UK, capabilities.
The Army should keep its present full-time strength and the TA expansion should continue as UK reserve. Boots on the ground may be needed at home or abroard at any time.
The Royal Navy has been sold down the river. The ability to defend the seas around UK is core. Additionally, a pair of the small Harrier-carriers with suitable defence vessels are best suited to the level of power-projection that the UK needs in the 21st century.
The Royal Air Force has culled some core capabilities whilst gold plating others. Core must be: defence of UK airspace, ablitity to support the Army and Navy in their declared responsibilities and maritime protection. Sound legacy platforms are being discarded at great cost of replacement. The truth is that the USA itself recognises the usefulness of older airframes where they are appropriate. They re-engined the KC135 fleet as an example. Charter should be used for low threat transport tasks.
Overall, we need some breadth. Not just, only one regiment of soldiers that work part-time or, only one big ship with all the sailors in or, only one big gold plated aeroplane.
OAP