Superb post Fedaykin! I was about to start a thread about the same issue of HMS Cumberland.

The flexability of naval power is beyond question, & yet the SDSR still hacks away at this vital capacity. Wandering off topic slightly, another of the Type 22’s about to be scrapped WITHOUT replacement (HMS Cornwall) recently rescued a Yemeni fishing boat crew who had been held captive by pirates for several months in the Indian Ocean. Yet another fine example of what can be achieved by naval forces (If you have the resources in the first place!!).

Back to the Libyan situation, once again the cuts to the RAF & Navy could well bite us up the backside. Limited resources = limited options & a limited response.

I’m not suggesting that military units should be immediately deployed in any crisis, & of course there is always sensitivities about the use of military aircraft ect; but the fact remains that British citizens are in potential danger, & the flexibility & logistical ability of military capacity is beyond doubt.

We should maintain the recourses (being so willingly cut away to save a few quid) & the politicians should have the “balls” to stand up, be counted & act swiftly to assist citizens in danger.

This is not a “gun ho” attitude but simply a realisation that we must maintain the size & capacity of our military, to give us the optimum range of options when this sort of international situation occurs. The world is an unstable place & to continue to cut military capacity is foolish, short-sighted & dangerous.

Rant ends!!:diablo:

Matt 🙂

I suppose its all a matter of what you believe needs to be kept quiet & what you want to publicise. After all, on the official Canadian Air Force website it clearly states the amount of Canadian helos initially deployed. Did they release this info to make it ‘easy’ for the enemy?
If the Canadians wanted no one to know the numbers then they surely would not have published the article in the first place…. ?

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=7552

Whilst we are on specifics, you can’t get much more specific than the MOD’s own press release on the deployment of more Javelin missiles to Afghanistan!

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/ExtraBunkerbusterMissilesForAfghanFrontLine.htm

I tend to agree with Flubba, in terms of it not being a big deal. Now of course, if info such as flight plans, specific tactics in theatre, specific vulnerability to x y & z type of weapon system was published then that would be making it ‘easy’ for the enemy.

The question is: where do you draw the line? What should be published, what should be withheld?

To be honest, i don’t really know the answer to that.

Great shots Keith!

Looks as though you had a great day there, all for a very important charity.

I landed at Shipdham once last year (okay…my instructor landed… it was only my second lesson!). Everyone i met there was so friendly. Great Norfolk hospitality !

Once again

Well Done!

On a more serious note, would the airframe be able to carry on for a decade longer or so, if they were upgraded to escort jammers? Or are they getting to a stage where they are too far gone in terms of hours on the clock?

From reading that link, the DoD requirement was for sc of 100nm….. so the aircraft has met their request. Its not a failing that it can ‘only’ sc for 100nm in that specific combat radius surely?

SC or not, it would still get blown out of the air by a Sea Harrier anyday………:diablo::D:diablo: