The RAF is in danger of being destroyed on the ground

Liam Fox is anticipating the Strategic Defence Review, preparing the services for what will be extremely bad news. Britain will not engage in large scale operations in the immediate future. The Telegraph reports that officials intend to reduce the number of strike aircraft, warships and tanks. Future strategic emphasis will be on maximising firepower and range and minimising direct and associated costs.

The service arms have mobilised their writers to prepare a defence. The Times have hosted a set-to between Air-Vice Marshall Tony Mason and Major General Julian Thompson. Mason’s argument is simple: warfare is determined by air superiority. He writes:

‘Since Dunkirk, British Armed Forces have usually fought beneath skies controlled by friendly aircraft. When they did not, in the Falklands conflict, surface forces suffered grievous losses. “Command of the air” is indispensable, and has, for good reason, been recognised as the primary role of the RAF from its birth.