I have to agree. I am optimistic that a defence secretary who has been in the post in the shadow cabinet for nearly 5 years will not be prone to a knee jerk body armour and helicopter response.

Equally, based on what he has been saying (quoted in a AW story from today):

Commenting on the defense review, Fox said: “Our aim must be to ensure that Britain’s defense is based on a clear definition of our strategic interests, an assessment of our role in NATO and other partnerships, the threat we face, the military capabilities we need to protect our interests and the programs we need to deliver those capabilities.”

I can’t see that they will for example cancel the carriers. So the navy will be getting carriers and a replacement for trident….?

Hi StevoJH,

the Lib Dems had cancellation of 3B as one of their aims, but I doubt that would ever have happened and it seems likely to me that the bulk of the Liberal influence on defence will be to try to ensure “value for money” rather than having a big impact on what we get.

hmmm, i’m not so sure.

i get irritated by the equally pointless “Falklands- what if?” type posts.

Most of these imaginary scenarios about one airforce/fighter/missile v another are equally silly and pointless. It just depends on which country you live in as to whether they start to get a bit sensitive.

But i just wondered if there is a history of anti israeli postings perhaps?

I am not aware of there being an increased risk of israeli missile boats sinking a French aircraft carrier….

so is the JP233 the ultimate anti runway weapon to enter service? Its all so historic though. Does the Apache system work in a similar way?

What would the RAF do now? I mean do they still train for the mission or is it all cruise missiles?

alot of this discussion is based around a US buy. have i missed something?

There is a lot of support for the F414 hornet type thingy?

i’m liking this to be honest. I just hope that the LIb Dems didn’t get cancellation of Typhoon 3B in return for Trident !

Anyway its going to be interesting.

And if Liam Fox is in charge does that mean we are to look forward to an advanced nuclear/deterrent submarine force backed up by ABM defences?

so tis all a little bit silly considering the status of both projects (unless you believe that Rafale will actually have the cloaking device 😉

so to bite just a little here, in 3 years time all of that is going to be in a production aircraft which is yet to be ordered?:confused: