Shut-down of RAF squadrons 'to go ahead a year early'

[tigershark]

Shut-down of RAF squadrons 'to go ahead a year early'


The shut-down of two RAF Tornado squadrons is to go ahead a year early in order to save money, leaving Britain with just eight aircraft kept ready to protect its skies, it has been reported.


Last Updated: 9:31PM BST 14 Apr 2009

The 43 and 111 squadrons, which were due to stand down in late 2010, could be merged or axed from September although the Ministry of Defence says it has not worked out the full details.
The move will reportedly cut the number of fighter jets on standby to protect Britain from 25 to 12. However, it is said that at all times, four of these will be undergoing maintenance, leaving only eight on standby at any one time.


The Tornado is to be replaced by the Typhoon, a newer jet, which could be used in Afghanistan as well as for the "Quick Reaction Alert" duties to protect Britain from potential attack from the air.
The Ministry of Defence has ordered 183 of the aircraft at £69 million each, according to the newspaper, 53 of which have so far been delivered.
All Tornados will be replaced by Typhoons by 2011.
Senior defence sources were reported to have confirmed that the squadrons were being axed early.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence told the newspaper: "There will be no change to the air defence of the UK.
"The Tornado F3 will continue to fly from RAF Leuchars and maintain the Northern Quick Reaction Alert commitment until its planned out of service date in 2011."



Source
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...ear-early.html

[Webmaster]

This measure is reportedly part of a bigger plan to secure the Harrier force and the Tornado GR.4/4A force from being drastically cut early, before the F-35 arrives. Both were considered to be cut down in light of defence budget revisions, which would leave a big gap in CAS/Strike capability. The Tornado F.3 early retirement (except those 12 jets) frees up some of the funds. I am not sure where the rest is coming from... or don't recall. IMHO, this is a good call, but I hate to see them go early now they finally got ASRAAM/AMRAAM not too long ago. At least the 12 will stay for now. Hopefully they'll get another chance to do what they were made for, intercepting Russian bombers on patrol. Of course I don't mean in anger, just for one last photo opportunity.

[tigershark]

Did I read that right that basically ( jets are protecting England? 

However, it is said that at all times, four of these will be undergoing maintenance, leaving only eight on standby at any one time.

[Webmaster]

No, Northern QRA only. Southern QRA is covered by the Typhoon, and soon the Falklands too.