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DeliciousAir power is 'not an optional luxury'
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, said: "Air and space power isn't an optional luxury that can be added to an erstwhile military operation on the ground or at sea; rather, it provides the essential foundation for any sort of military endeavour."
The heads of the armed forces have been speaking out ahead of the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review, which is due to start immediately after the next general election. As the first SDR since 1998, it's direction will be crucial in determining the shape of the UK's armed forces in future.
Chief of the General Staff General Sir David Richards had argued for more versatile infantry supported by unmanned aerial vehicles and stronger intelligence. Navy chief Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope has also spoken out in support of 'hard power' provided by large naval forces.
"Even if we're faced with conflicts that are similar in character to Afghanistan in the future – and as the green paper makes clear, this isn't certain – we cannot assume there'll be the political or popular appetite to fight them in the same way again," said Sir Stephen.
"I'm not arguing for high tech 'boys' toys': my concern is about capabilities, not simply the platforms that deliver them. We all know that tough choices will have to be made about our future force structure in the coming defence review," he said.
"Ideally, we need to avoid simplistic, 'either-or' binary choices; real flexibility will be provided by a sensible capability-mix, giving us the combat power we need now in Afghanistan, but future-proofed – as far as possible - by adaptability and judged by consideration of through-life capability and cost-effectiveness, not simply the spot purchase price."
HAVE YOUR SAY
Defence has been cut by roughly 40% since 1990. This fact has gone straight over the heads of our political/media elite.
They should cut the waste in all the departments where spending has increased since 1990.
This decade may be dangerous, when the fallout from the 2007 credit crunch hits home. The 1929 stock market crash created the conditions for WW2 in 1939. Watch out for 2017, it could be a tricky year.More so, if it coincides with an oil supply shortage.
The RAF needs a minimum of 180 Typhoons, 16 Nimrod MRA4 armed with Storm Shadow, 21 A400M, plus a program starting now to replace the Tornado GR4(2018 bomber?).
A joint RAF/RN CSAR unit with 18 folding Merlins.
The RN needs a minimum of 30 frigates & destroyers, while the Army needs to be a minimum 107,000 strong.
Sadly this will not happen, as many times this cost will go to bankers, management consultants, quangos, multi-culti & welfare spongers.
John Hartley - Woking/England/UK
So we cannot cut the Army, we cannot cut the Navy and surprise, surprise we cannot cut the RAF. As usual our redoubtable leaders are fighting for their own corners. They are like children. Cutting a few Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals would be a good start.
John Walkley - Budapest Hungary
Looks like a new deal for the A400M has been agreed, though also looks like the broader details are being kept secret. Given the German government appears to have a 7.5% stake in EADS it inherited from Daimler and can't sell. The French having a considerable interest as well, will take the deal to be more a political one than military. P.S Possibly a good idea not to become involved in the NH90 according to German test reports this could turn out to be another howler for the time being.
Chris - Keighley