Harrier Argument continues

Although it is not looking good for the return of the Harrier back into service, however it seems the argument continues about bring the aircraft back. The armed forces and the powers that be have been accused of being "confused" over the defense spending review and how money should be spent in future. It is clear the government don't have a clear direction as to were they are going, looking at the press in the last few weeks.

It would seem that First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and General Sir Peter Wall appear to be incomplete disagreement in major area's of defense spending. Giving the Government in no direction into how money should be spent in future.

On the return of the mothballed Harrier aircraft, Sir Mark, representing the navy, seems keen to bring back the aircraft into service while Sir Stephen, representing the RAF, said that the "point of no return has been reached". However, Sir Mark said: "It's just a question of money.". It is clear that the RAF want to keep the land based Tornadoes in service while the navy wants it's Harriers back that can operate almost any where in the world a carrier can get to. 

It is my personal view in this world of uncertain times we still need the Harrier and carriers it flies from. It's ability to be deployed almost any where without the need for land bases makes keeping the aircraft along side the technically crippled, but capable, Tornado force a must. I just hope common sense is something this Government has at the end of the day. 

Finally if aircraft that is good enough still be in the service of the US navy and other counties, it should be good enough for us to use to and have available to our navy. After all it is a British Aircraft. We are in danger of giving up our naval heritage and all that goes with it.