S.D.S.R 2015

[Slappywag]

Can we start "bidding" on the squadrons which will be revived? I'd start with 43 and 111 for the Typhoons.

It's 19 and 43.

[Epic Formacion]

P-8's with an in service date of just before the next SDSR no doubt. A win of sorts.

[PeterR]

Can we start "bidding" on the squadrons which will be revived? I'd start with 43 and 111 for the Typhoons.

It's 19 and 43.

19 was inevitable, good news with 43 though. I'm sure a lot of us would have prefered 56, 74 or 111 but I guess we'll have to keep dreaming for them!

[Traveller]

So what do the 'experts' on here think as to how many aircraft on each carrier if both at sea? Is it 12 on each or 24 on one (with the other actually never at sea at the same time)?

[harkins]

So if it's 19 and 43 that means we're still not taking part in any Tiger Meets then?

What exactly is the process on selecting squadrons to be formed? Is it just next on the list or some historical relevancy to the squadrons role or where they're based?

[PeterR]

What exactly is the process on selecting squadrons to be formed? Is it just next on the list or some historical relevancy to the squadrons role or where they're based?

Mainly factored on squadron age and historical value. 19 Squadron being a low number, a Battle of Britain squadron and being frontline for much of it's life gives it president over, for example, 74 Squadron. When 216 Squadron was disbanded last year, they knew that the numberplate would likely never come back so the standard wasn't 'laid up' at RAF Cranwell whereas other disbanded units do, until they are stood up. There are plenty of numberplates to choose from but now with less and less fast-jet squadrons (and squadrons in general) the likelyhood of high-numbered squadrons with juicy markings (eg 74/111 etc) coming back is getting lower and lower.

[MJ83]

Does anyone know what time the announcement will be made? It's normally live on BBC news, Sky etc.

[harkins]

Thanks Peter. I guess that makes sense but it's a shame as I guess we'll never see a fixed wing tiger squadron again in that case.

[ATrs.jules]

I agree with Andy above, the sensible move from a military perspective is a mixed fleet. Surely the best aircraft for the mission is what is sensible? I doubt anyone would argue for an all F-35B fleet if another type altogether was being considered (say the Super Hornet as an example) as a replacement for the Tornado. It's a bit frustrating to me that we've chosen the runt of the litter. Or am I totally wrong and it's the Typhoon that is intended to replace the Tornado in the strike role anyway?

unfortunately the A version is not drogue and backet refuelable? i believe so no good with our current, leased, fleet of voyagers, where as the B stol version is?

[ATrs.jules]

Does anyone know what time the announcement will be made? It's normally live on BBC news, Sky etc.

14.30 on...

[harkins]

unfortunately the A version is not drogue and backet refuelable? i believe so no good with our current, leased, fleet of voyagers, where as the B stol version is?

That seems to sum up how things are nowadays with UK defence. After all, we can't refuel the Airseekers ourselves can we. And presumably the P-8's will need an ally to keep them airborne for a prolonged period.

I take it that the configuration detail of the three F-35 types is down to the UASF, USN and USMC requirements and that all other Lightning customers have to chose the version that gets closest to what they would actually want?

[Skyflash]

Sky news reporting P-8's for Lossiemouth.

And another 8 years for the navy davey!

So... in addition to being full-to-overflowing with fighter types, Lossie is now also going to host a fleet of maritime patrol aircraft!?

Wouldn't it have made more sense simply to reactivate Kinloss?

[st24]

So if it's 19 and 43 that means we're still not taking part in any Tiger Meets then??

I'm sure 230 and 814 will take umbrage at that!...

So P-8s then eh? So that means we will get stripped down airframes and completely re-install our spec, new engines etc adding £20m to the cost, 20 tons extra weight and 5-10 years to the programme meaning they'll be redundant as they enter service. Win.

[Pat Murphy]

So if it's 19 and 43 that means we're still not taking part in any Tiger Meets then??

I'm sure 230 and 814 will take umbrage at that!...

So P-8s then eh? So that means we will get stripped down airframes and completely re-install our spec, new engines etc adding £20m to the cost, 20 tons extra weight and 5-10 years to the programme meaning they'll be redundant as they enter service. Win.

Sad but probably true. Wouldn't surprise me if the MoD went to a certain budget airline for some "donor" airframes....I mean after all, converting former airliners into MP Aircraft is a good idea isn't it......oh wait a minute.....

[boff180]

RAF Drone fleet to Double.

Combat Air have been told the price tag for the P-8's is £2bn... which would likely mean US spec aircraft. We may have finally learnt a lesson!

[boff180]

Announcement now at 1530L

[Brevet Cable]

Must admit , I love the double standards being enacted by HMG at the moment......not long ago they were complaining about 'leaks' from within the MOD & Civil Service detailing information prior to official statements , yet here they are doing exactly the same thing !!

[Brevet Cable]

CMD finally on his feet giving the SDSR statement -- BBC News24 & Sky News covering it , if anyone's interested.

[MRTT]

P-8s will be based at Lossiemouth.

[boff180]

Shadow OSD 2030
Sentinel OSD 2020's
Sentry OSD 2035
Airseeker OSD 2035

[boff180]

Zephyr UAV to be acquired for Spec Ops

[cg_341]

Helluva lot of money spent on Airseeker for only 20 years service...

Although saying that, it will be a 71 year old airframe by that point!

[boff180]

20 Protector Drone to replace Reaper

[Brevet Cable]

Shadow OSD 2030
Sentinel OSD 2020's
Sentry OSD 2035
Airseeker OSD 2035

'Strike Brigades' - 2025
Reduced procurement of T-26 Frigates & shortfill to be made up by a so-far unannounced cheaper type of Frigate -- no timeframe given.
Replacement of all 4 Vanguard SSBNs -- no timeframe given.

As I posted previously....a combination of smoke & mirrors and jam tomorrow.

[Red Dragon]

Shadow OSD 2030
Sentinel OSD 2020's
Sentry OSD 2035
Airseeker OSD 2035

'Strike Brigades' - 2025
Reduced procurement of T-26 Frigates & shortfill to be made up by a so-far unannounced cheaper type of Frigate -- no timeframe given.
Replacement of all 4 Vanguard SSBNs -- no timeframe given.

As I posted previously....a combination of smoke & mirrors and jam tomorrow.

So who wants to write a letter to Putin & IS asking them to behave until 2020 at least