Actually, if done early enough in the development of the storm system, it might actually be able to disperse the storm. Once the storm is big enough to be named, there is little chance of it making any real difference. Also, I can think of more deserving tasks for a MOAB…

In terms of the Netherlands not being able to do it without UN help is a little mistaken -as mentioned, any attack on Dutch islands would elicit a response from the joint UK/Netherlands amphibious forces. This would mean two carriers, probably three or four battalions of Marines, and probably a sizeable number of aircraft (Tristars, KDC-10s, F-16s, Tornados, Harriers, Nimrods, E-3s, ASTOR, and a whole load more types).

Even if the US did not intervene, the UK would, and the UK would bring a lot to the table – probably Ocean and Illustious/Ark Royal, and some Marines. The UK could also provide tankers, transports, subs and special forces. The Anglo-Dutch relationship is very strong, and Venezuela would be very foolish to think that the Dutch would just roll over and let them invade!

I would go for:

Pilatus PC-9 or similar for air support
Mil Mi-17s for transport of cargo and troops
Antonov An-26 or similar to transport aid and cargo
Pilatus PC-6 for patrol and troop resupply

As a small state, you do not need much, but you need to be able to afford to keep it all operational!

A waiver is, well, a waiver – you waive the application of a restriction or rule. The ITAR restrictions were introduced to limit the flow of sensitive military information (okay, a slight oversimplification, but hey). When the US introduced the ITAR restrictions, the Clinton administration promised the UK and Australia a waiver – i.e. technology transfer with those two countries would not be subject to the bureaucratic nightmares currently faced.

When Bush came in, no waiver was issued, and so technology transfer is a nightmare – just about everything needs state dept approval.

Basically, the US promised that the UK would not be subject to these insanely strict rules, but they never came through on the promise. The result is that, for instance, BAE North America cannot speak freely to BAE UK, same with Rolls.

Just think if the RN could sell those drugs on – the two hauls together would nearly buy an extra Type 45!

From what I have heard, when the Alfa boats put their foot down, they could be detected from over a thousand nautical miles. Basically, the Russians pursued speed at the expense of silencing, where the Americans went for silence over speed – both have advantages and disadvantages. As for keeping an Alfa in the baffles of an American sub for long, I would suspect this to be a somewhat tall tale…

The RAF are interested in the -C version, since it has a much longer range (the bigger wing holds more fuel), and would offer commonality with a RN fleet of F-35Cs. As for navalisation, it is actually not such a bad idea, given how much it rains…