Best defence

Since the end of the Cold War successive British governments have slashed the defence budget even though the British armed forces were being ordered to fight conflicts far away from British shores. The latest defence review in 2010 was especially savage, cutting the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to the bone. The fact that the RAF does not have a dedicated maritime patrol aircraft is a national disgrace. Russian submarines have been spotted close to the Clyde naval base where Britain´s Trident nuclear submarines are based but with no aircraft available the RAF has been forced to call in planes from NATO allies. The Defence Security Review published yesterday calls for nine of the ultra-modern Boeing patrol aircraft to be purchased and this is certainly good news. The two new Royal Navy aircraft carriers, which are being built in Scotland, will also be properly equipped with state-of-the-art F35 stealth jets. Britain is buying 138 of them. Also, the Royal Air Force is to get additional Typhoon air defence aircraft. Overall, for once the military can be rather pleased with this security review. More money for new, better equipment. If Britain wants to continue to be a global power then it must have a properly funded and equipped military. For once the government has delivered for the armed services. Unfortunately, it will be at the cost of cuts to other departments. But this is the nature of the beasts: there are not enough funds for all.