They never had to account to the international watchdog, because they never willingly agreed to it like others did. India has the same capability that is also untouched.

IMHO allies need to bear through these hard times together. It’s awful times like these that brought us together in the first place. Anyone that doesn’t see the parallels to the 1920’s is either full of tomfoolery or simply ignoring the obvious.

You could save money if you offered up the QE as a short term lease to the USN. Hybrid crew using personell from both navies. Jets and support aircraft from the US. Helps build UKs experience base. Saves buying an interim jet.

You have to suspect a fox in the henhouse when the stories read like this. Why doesnt the HoL call an inquiry over these counterproductive decisions that pertain to national security?

It’s been some time since we’ve had an admin that would support such a strike. Reagan was probably the last true supporter. I personally think the hidden campaign on the ground has thwarted most of the threat. The problem is NK, Russia, and China subverting their campaign against the Iranian scientists by supplying fresh uranium and training. You have to remember the bigger picture here, the Iranians are largely Shia and counteract Sunni expansion. Contrary to what many believe, the most aggressive expansion going on in Islam is from the Sunni side of the faith. And it is from these the radicals recruit their stooges to carry out their campaign. They recruit the poorest of the poor, educate the smartest ones, indoctrinate them at the same time, and send them out. This is the threat that America defends against right now, not the Shia. In reality, Iran is but a side show.

I’d be more worried about an October movement by this admin to try to get reelected.

Even though the MiG-23 and MiG-25 used different engines I always felt they were the Soviet equivalents to F-16 and F-15. I’m not convinced an upgraded MiG-23 isn’t relevant today. I’m surprised they sent the MiG-23 airframes to the scrap heap so quickly after the Cold War ended. HMS aimed Archers and a pair of AMRAAMSKIs mated to a modern radar and a better engine.

The F-14 with a TARPS pod got overwhelmed over Lebanon by cheap, disposable, point defense ranged only, and lightweight robot-controlled rockets called Surface to Air Missiles.