RAF faces a perfect storm when the Tornado retires
AS A retired RAF Tornado GR1/GR4 bomber aviator with nearly 20 years’ service, I know we should trust the Government to make decisions about military action. It is clear that what has been happening in Syria is unacceptable. However, in addition to the argument about whether parliamentary approval should have been sought before launching missile strikes, I believe the limited military action raises other important issues. Why did it take so long for Britain to act when similar atrocities have occurred in the past? The only major Western powers involved are those whose governments are in various states of turmoil. I would be most unhappy to discover the belated decision to act was in part to divert attention from other issues. The fantastic, but soon to be retired, Tornado GR4 is the main military combat aircraft relied upon by the RAF. The Typhoon is being modified to employ the Storm Shadow cruise missile, but this has still not been finalised. Will the stock of cruise missiles need to be used up before the Tornado goes out of service? Coupled with the ever-lengthening delay of its other replacement, the F-35, it is fortuitous the retirement of the Tornado GR4 has been delayed multiple times. The loss of this warhorse will reveal serious deficiencies in the UK’s air power capability. Perhaps the Government will reflect on what the future holds for our military and the reductions in capability.
L. WILLIAMS, Louth, Lincs.