March 29, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Thinking about the retrenchment in capabilities of state-operated air forces in the modern era, as a response to rising costs, do you think that there will be a trend towards to using private air forces that provide specific capabilities on a contractual basis?
An extension of the current schemes such as target-towing, ECM training and SAR but with a more martial aspect.
Perhaps, for example, operating a fleet of reconditioned Orions to fill the UK’s maritime patrol needs.
Some such operations of which I am aware:
I’m sure there are many others…