I would say the problem is that SDRs or whatever the latest phrase is do not actually address the main problem; they are simply cost cutting exercises. Politicians of all colours have failed to match the 2 up. At one end of the scale we could adopt a defence policy akin to say Sweden or Switzerland or at the other we could get involved as the world's policemen. Unfortunately governments of all colours want the cost of the former with the influence of the other. It would of course help if we had a half decent procurement system.