The problem is “ground-pounders” just aren’t “sexy”.

In Europe, the only modern purpose-built CAS aircraft, the AMX, is a good example. How many other NATO nations bought AMX? nil.

In the UK, the RAF is pushing ahead with Eurofighter, but MoD has retired Jaguar early. Which is more suited to CAS?
I know Typhoon’s air-ground abilities are being expanded, but Typhoon was not designed as a CAS platform. It is pretty obvious Typhoon was designed as an air-superiority fighter. It is only because IOC is nearly 20 years after Typhoon came off the drawing board & the world has changed that A/G capability is being added.

Arguably, the RAF needs more C-17s & maybe C-130Js than it needs Typhoons.

The only way to spend more on defence is to pay more tax.

NO 😡

What is important is the proportion of the national expenditure/GNP is spent on defence.

The UK can afford to spend much more on defence.

The UK spends c. £124 billion annually on QUANGOs like:

The British Potato Council
The Milk Development Council
The Home Grown Cereals Authority
Pig Production Development centre
Coal Authority
etc.

Need I continue?

Higher taxes are NOT the answer. It is how you spend the revenue. The present British government is keen to engage in wars, but reluctant to pay for the military who fight them.

I think the F-16XL was a seriously cool aircraft. 😎

It’s a pity it wasn’t further developed. I guess having two engines can be a big advantage over enemy territory 😀

I seem to remember reading that the F-16XL was capable/almost capable of supercruise. Is that correct?

If it was available today (suitably updated), I think there would probably be some commercial potential in the old girl yet.

I agree that Japan should have chosen the F-16XL as the basis of its FS-X programme, all those years ago.

Sorry luisdo,

I re-read your original post & just realised you were only asking the ID of the 1st boat. 😮

Sorry!

How about JASDF F-4EJ Kai?

Have they had Japanese electronics/upgrades/weapons?

Amazing that such an old aircraft is still in frontline sevice!

Phantoms forever! 😀

Blimey.

Nice pix!

I always thought the Charles F. Adams DDGs were pretty cool.

I’d have thought they could have been further updated (electronics & weapons) & remain useful, albeit in areas where only low-intensity/limited conflict was possible or likely.

But I read somewhere their range was unsatisfactory/high fuel consumption – I could be wrong.

Thanks!