Re: The final bow
 

Very true and the Harrier will be missed by all concerned, however I do believe it was the last government who decided to invade Iraq and Afghanistan, costing the tax payer billions.

A war in which the incumbent government did not provide our troops with the right equipment, little things like body armour, guns that work, helicopters whose blades fail after 27 hours due to them not being adapted to work in desert conditions, Apache AH-64D gunships that due to the software not being bought for them, were stuck in a hanger until QinetiQ received a multi million pound contract to rectify. Battle tanks that were not adapted for desert operations resulting in sand blocking the air filters....#

Still it's not as juicy as what's happening now:eek:

Re: The final bow
 

The Seaking is an aircraft from the 1960's, the Merlin HC3 is the new British Military main helicopter now(came into service 2002). That being the case it makes sense to phase out the Seaking at least in this case they're not losing capabilities as a replacement is already in use & operational.

As to the tendering out of services to Civilian firms, this is nothing new & was also encouraged under the previous Government, so I wouldn't get so aerated, over this proposal as there is a precedent. (Selective recollection ?)


More privatisation under New Labour than Thatcher and Major

BBC NEWS | Business | Labour's public row over privatisation

Glass houses & stones my friend, glass houses & stones ! ;)

Re: The final bow
 

This is not about privatisation or tendering out defence projects.. it's all about the massive cuts in defence the tories always carry out as soon as they get power.. you can blame any past goverment if you like but the fact is that this government are making the draconian cuts to defence.. I would have expected anyone ex or serving armed forces man to be "up in arms" at the cuts.. but you tories never surprise me anymore.

Re: The final bow
 

To me and to friends who are serving and have served this country, the most damming thing is not the cuts to old aircraft. But the loss of the Military Covenant, by the last Labour government and conveniently forgotten by certain members of this forum.

Re: The final bow
 

Mancie, Mancie, if you look you'll see ..... really you will !" My comment was in reply to C'mon's over exaggerated post #13 & if you look further at post #8 which I myself entered, I'm against the Harrier cuts, as they are far more versatile in my opinion than the Tornadoes, but something had to give. You really need to get down to Specsavers & have your Lenses changed or at least cleaned. :)

Re: The final bow
 

Do specsavers do glasses to combat alcoholic haze then Dave:rolleyes:

Re: The final bow
 

Some cracking photos here
FighterControl • Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast • View topic - Cottesmore, 13th,14th & 15th now added

Re: The final bow
 

You say you are against the cuts.. but "something has to give".. who told you that this country needs to make massive cuts in defence... was it Jaysay or the daily mail?

Re: The final bow
 

I required neither thank you very much Mancie. Being someone who is capable of gleaning relevant information eclectically & not purely Party Pish, or the scrawlings of one publication, I think I can gain a better & balanced over view.

Unlike some who tend to get stuck in a rut of blind belief in whatever their "leaders" or "Chosen Rag" tend to espouse. ;)

Re: The final bow
 

It also goes back to the previous Government too (Jan 2009), admittedly the cuts have come under the Coalition, but even if Brown & his Boys had gotten back in the cards had already been dealt.

Letting the Harriers fly away - Defence Management

Re: The final bow
 

They don't want to hear that Dave;)

Re: The final bow
 

Or this regarding the Sea Harrier being retired back in 2006
Navy waves goodbye to Sea Harriers ? The Register

Re: The final bow
 

And who are "they" that don't want to hear stuff?.. do you mean those who do not agree with the massive cuts in the defence of this country?.
no matter who is in charge?
(link from Dave)
Letting the Harriers fly away - Defence Management

Re: The final bow
 

No people like you don't want to know that it was Labours idea;)