Originally Posted by
El Bunto
If top-cover is felt to be a necessity for SAR then that should be baked into the tender and bid cost.
If the parties involved decide to go ahead and low-ball without it, subbing helis when they can't persuade someone to give them non-contracted, non-guaranteed, unpaid fixed-wing top-cover, well... I know where the embarrased faces should be. Not at Air Corps HQ, Baldonnel.
If top cover was not to be called upon because it's a contractor responsibility, why would the DF have entertained the request at all, instead of pleading personnel shortages now?