I would have no issue with the above at all (though I'd like more than 60 B's) The RAF in addition to the Typhoon should also (hopefully) receive whatever unmanned system comes from the Taranis project. Thus given them a stealthy strike aircraft.

Are they selling used C-5S ? Doubtful and they don't make them any more ?
Didn't the USAF raid the boneyards to get the best for their smaller upgraded fleet ?

I see they've been using RAF C17s to get aid to their Caribbean islands effected by the hurricanes.

Bet the French AF is regretting not picking up the C17 white tails that were up for grabs. Too late now.

Bet the French AF are wishing they'd been able to pick up the 'white tail' C17s before they all went. Domestic French politics would have probably scuppered any purchase I guess.

Definitely not an EU fan then James?

I only mentioned it because the UK & Dutch Marine appear to have a close association.

Always loved the Gripen, enjoyed seeing them over Forres last year when they visited Lossie. Would have loved to have seen it in RAF colours as a Jaguar replacement. Guess this would be one way.

Still love the concept of the Textron Scorpion though.

We could have acquired the Karel Doorman & done a similar deal with the Dutch Marines given how close the 2 services are. Opportunity missed I reckon.

Tbh we missed a bargain not picking up the Dutch ship last year.

Getting rid of 2 Points & a Bay was a very stupid decision on the part of the coalition govt. It'd be interesting to find out which parties hierarchy demand those be cut. As an aside given the current 4 are pretty much in MoD use 365 days why not bring them into the core RFA fleet. Give them a s...

Would it be worth Tiderace diverting north to assist in the Caribbean? I don't suppose she's got the ship's boats or cranes (or even the crew for that matter) fitted to her to be of use yet?

Why do we use Griffons in Cyprus. Is not a type we use anywhere else & seems a tad wasteful.

5 I think.

2 from BAE, 1 from BMT, 1 from Stellar Systems & the new Arrowhead from Babcock.

I know absolutely nothing about ship building but you have to say the offerings from Babcock & Stellar Systems look far superior (on paper) to the BAE offering.

Any idea what they are deploying in addition to Mounts Bay & Ocean? Could they theoretically deploy the QE ? The crew are trained up, the Merlin crews have been training to deploy on her (ok no Chinooks I guess) it won't need any defensive systems fitted for a relief mission. It'd be a huge pr w...

Well despite the RFA being in theatre the UK is already getting flack for not being prepared. Politicians in the area complaining it'll take Ocean 2 weeks to get there.

Nice ship. Had a peek at her once when she was in Aberdeen harbour.

On Radio 4 PM programme they spoke to the Captain of Mounts Bay, (I think that's the one), anyway the Captain said they were currently 200 miles behind Irma, they have a Wildcat aboard, and are preparing to offer assistance as required. If the damage is as bad as feared I'd expect more than one RFA...

For test purposes only I guess. That or someone is getting seriously nostalgic.

Colour me intrigued Enigmatically. Other carrier operators manage it, so do we know something they don't ?

The tricky part would be integrating the command and control room along with all the people needed to operate an independent, carrier borne missile air defence system, that wouldn't overlap the defence provided by your surface escorts. Surely the same can be said of having T45 & T23/26/31 in th...

Why a verdict on the T45? Surely another layer of air defence is to be welcomed ?

cockneyjock1974 wrote:The BBC are reporting that Sea Ceptor will be used on the QE class!!!! Fake news????

We can only hope they've seen sence & will fit it from the outset.
Highly unlikely I know

When you look at the Amazonias that Brazil ended up with why did the RN not take them instead of now messing about with the River B2?

The obvious call is to follow a similar program to the carriers. Manufacture at locations around the UK with final assembly at Rosyth & ffs don't sell the Goliath. This may bugger up plans to give the T31s to someone other than BAE mind you. Also as mentioned above I fully support the idea of th...

Better to pick the Venator 110 or the Spartan. Breaks the BAE monopoly. Plus the Khareefs won't meet UK crew accommodation standards