Strategic Defence and Security Review Decision to scrap Harriers
October 20, 2010 4:15 PM
Harrier Jump Jet
The Prime Minister yesterday announced the results of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, which included a decision to withdraw the Harrier force early. This decision leaves RAF Cottesmore and RAF Wittering, where the Harriers are based, with a very uncertain future, although the Prime Minister indicated that the withdrawal of British Army units from Germany may lead to some RAF bases reconfiguring to accommodate these returning units.
Local Rutland and Melton Liberal Democrat campaigner, Grahame Hudson, who previously served in the Royal Navy, said how deeply disappointed and saddened he was to hear that the government had decided to axe the Harrier force.
"I have to say that I personally disagree with this particular decision and the military advice to retain the Tornado force ahead of the Harriers. The Tornado is not nearly as a flexible and versatile aircraft and platform as the Harrier. I am not sure the government has taken on board the lessons of the Falklands and Sierra Leone maritime aviation operations nor the outstanding contribution made by the Harrier force in Afghanistan and the Balkans. It is a very sad day for the servicemen and women at RAF Cottesmore and Wittering and the local economies supported by the bases. We are losing an iconic piece of British engineering and innovation."
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