They shouldn't be there in the first place. But the wolves can't help themselves when all those oil contracts are up for grabs.

The Tornados we sent over flew from the UK to Libya and back. A 3000 mile round trip. I bet the planners of this wish they had a carrier and some Harriers to send over!

This is really showing the limitations the cuts have made to our air power

at least they were able to fly over france this time! last time muammar went skitzo and drew his "line of death" across the gulf of sidra the ac that left the uk had to fly around france. that made for long trips...

my prayers for all the pilots

good post dk

Maybe so, but doesn't it show to the rest of the world that we can do it effectively? That we haven't faded since the Falklands and the Black Buck raids?

However, UK is in need of a long range bomber rather than the Tornado and Typhoon which are basically fighter bombers. Oh, yes, I forgot; the British government think that the US will always back us up so they can send their B-52's, B-1's etc over. Somebody with sense needs to be in charge..

I certainly F'n hope we will! it would be an extreme shame for us not to. you guys have been there for us in some not so popular situations. in my mind we owe you big time. but politicians never cease to dissapoint me... and i dont want to get into a political debate so that is all i will say..

I'm not disagreeing! Its nice to have a big superpower on our side that speaks the same language and such. I'd like to think you'll be there for us when WW3 kicks off; but it will typically turn into "who dies of radiation poisoning last, wins" so there will be no point it the end!

Wow that's depressing! In short though, I'd like to say I'd back a yank up in a situation!

Read this morning that the Tornado's that flew last night did not drop anything after identifying possible civilians in the vicinity. I'd rather see more of these type of missions instead of us just launching tomahawks off. At least the pilot can abort based on what he sees.

Totally agree Gilly. Those cruise missiles are too indiscriminate. Also anyone know how much they cost these days? I remember during the Gulf tomahawk barrage some crazy figures given out for each missile. Bit annoyed they are firing them like confetti when each ones cost could probably train a pilot and keep his aircraft in service for a year

Edit: $750,000 each. Not as much as I thought
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile)