Defence cuts could leave Britain open to air attack, MPs warned
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Oct 13, IRNA -- Defence cuts could leave Britain unable to defend its air space, counter threats from hostile states or conduct major foreign military campaigns, MPs have been warned.
Air Marshal Timo Anderson, director general of the Military Aviation Authority, issued a stark assessment of cuts to be outlined next week, when Britain’s air force is expected to lose significant numbers of jet fighters over the next four years.
Anderson argued in a private speech to MPs that the Quick Reaction Alert Force of Tornadoes and Typhoons was vital to national security “despite what amateur theorists might assert from their armchairs.”
“Without such an air defence capability, the UK would not be able to guarantee security of its sovereign air space and we would be unable to respond effectively to a 9/11-style terrorist attack from the air,” he was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph Wednesday.
Reports have suggested that Britain’s entire fleet of eight squadrons of Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, which have been active in Afghanistan, were expected to be withdrawn from service while plans to buy an extra 48 Eurofighter Typhoons could be dropped, leaving the air force with 160.
Prime Minister David Cameron hinted last week that “Cold War” fighter jets were likely to face the axe. “We’ve got aeroplanes that are ready to do dog fights with the Soviet Union air force. That’s not right,” he said.
Ministers have also argued that the army should be shielded from the worst of the cuts while troops are in Afghanistan and are not due to be withdrawn until 2015.
Cameron is due to announce details of the government’s defence review next Tuesday, the day before Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne details cuts in the long-awaited review of public spending.
2220**345**1394
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30018047
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
