Indeed, I think you are on the right lines
I also think there is a lot of sentiment caught up here with those that think we need an airborne ELINT platform with a all theatre maritime capability.
However I do not think the Afganis or any other of those nations we are currently engaging with or will engage with pose much of a maritime threat.
I have seen the what is left of the old Soviet High Seas and Baltic Fleets as I travel extensively in the CEE/CIS and I think most of what is left is not too much worry to the other NATO countries that would undoubtedly see it before us.
Therefore it is time to think from scratch if we are going to spend on an airborne defence platform how much should each one cost? £1bn? £2bn, £4bn (Nimrod projected final cost each) or more?
Should they be manned or unmanned?
Should they have full all task ELINT capability for any theatre anywhere in the world?
Or should they just have UK evesdropping capability?
What are they needed to command and control (given they are not hardened why should such a capability be airborne and not underground somewhere?)
Or are there other options that do not just offer employment to 51 Sqn?
As always
Mark
Last edited by: Mark on Fri 28 Jan 11 at 21:59
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