October 31, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Reading this months AFM and other publications it appears that post 2020 the RAF will be down to 8 frontline fast jet squadrons with 3 of those being jointly manned by the RN an allocated to the CVF. This would mean that wiht a 5 squadron force of Typhoons there will not be enough to support deployments and only the CAW with its 2-3 squadrons of F-35s being able to mont any deployment.
Surely this force level is far below critical mass to meet any future planned commitments? Even if the 2 reserve conversion units are given a similtaneous war role, the RAF will become a non-player on the world stage, looking good for PR but with little practical teeth!