Quote:
Originally Posted by Mancie
But the RAF don't escape the cuts..according to the Times:
The Con-Dems proposed cuts of 36 billion in the defence budget include reductions in Tornado F3 air defence aircraft and Harrier GR7s, and early phasing out of Nimrod MR1/MR2 surveillance aircraft. A number of RAF bases will be earmarked for closure.
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The F3 is an air defence variant - GR is the one that would carry out any attacks. Harriers?, they were already being phased out by the previous lot - JSF is the intended replacement I think. Nimrod is a maritime surveillance. Typhoon, along with the JSF (if we get it), will take over the front line role.
RAF bases have been closing since I joined in '61 - post National Service.
On TV last night learnt that UK Air Defernce is now centred at RAF Scampton - it used to be a V-Bomber Base (Vulcans, I think).
Change has been a way of life in the RAF since Pontius was a Pilate. Changing threats, changing equipment and technology. Have not always agreed with it, but that is the way it has gone.