Uncertain future for Harrier pilots

Defensemanagement.com ^ | 12/17/2010 | Defensemanagement.com

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Royal Navy and RAF Harrier pilots face an uncertain future after the government revealed it is still reviewing the number it will retain following the decision to scrap the aircraft.

The decision to scrap the aircraft was made as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review in October, with the Harrier being taken out of service and numbers of Tornado aircraft set to be reduced.

There are 135 Harrier pilots in the Royal Air Force and 53 in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.

Responding to a question from New Forest MP Julian Lewis, defence Minister Andrew Robathan said that the number of pilots retained would be subject to further discussion, although some pilots would be needed to help regenerate carrier strike capability in time for the launch of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2020.

"The number of RAF Harrier pilots who will be required to leave the service as a result of the withdrawal of that aircraft is the focus of detailed analysis regarding the wider issue of implementing the strategic defence and security review's outcomes including manning and supporting the front-line," Robathan told Parliament.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

Just pathetic.Nelson would be appalled at the england of today.Hey england why dont you just go ahead and scrap HMS Vicory while you’re at it and just go ahead and hand the whole lot over to the muzzies that you let infect your country.

[oldbill]

"I don't need airplanes Mr. Prime Minister - I need pilots"

Quote by Air Chief Marshall Hugh Dowding, RAF, during the Battle of Britain.

[Vinnie]

Britain has to raise money from somewhere to support the welfare state.
Cut the military, as usual.

We are fortunate in that all our politicians want a strong defense first. /s

BTW, if anyone ever goes to an air show where a Harrier will be demonstrated, take ear protection. Loudest plane I’ve seen.

[tanknetter]

although some pilots would be needed to help regenerate carrier strike capability in time for the launch of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2020.

So, basically, they're going to retain pilots and still expect to maintain their carrier operations proficiency skills (not just the ability to take off and land from a carrier - which WILL be different than with the Harriers/Invincibles combo - but also the ability to plan and execute operations while at sea) ... while not having ANY "hands-on" experience actually operating at sea????

Morons.

Guess they might be able to mitigate by doing a LOT of exchange tours with the USN and French Navy.

[Winniesboy]

Britain has to raise money from somewhere to support the welfare state. Cut the military, as usual.

On the contary, the Defence budget has been cut less than most other departments (8% as against 40% in some cases) . The Cameron goverment is in the middle of the biggest reduction in state spending in modern British history (bigger than anything Thatcher attempted), with huge cuts in welfare.

[Rebelbase]

I guess 70 years is what it takes to forget 70+ straight days of being bombed.