I’m an ex British soldier and would like to point out that our army has been over stretched fighting in two conflicts at the same time. Once we get out of Iraq we will be able to provide lots more helicopter. The UAVs are still being made in Israel as I type so they will be a while yet.
We have 9 Harrier GR9 (recently given the sniper pod) at Kandahar which will be replaced by the more capable Tornado GR4 (greater range and payload). We don’t rely on anyone for logistics.
And we are introducing extra light armour almost every month.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/NewArmouredVehiclesForAfghanistan.htm
I’m really not sure what advantage heavy tracked CR2s or AS9s could bring in an offence situation apart from causing extra casualties trying to get them out when they become stuck. We have already deployed GMLRS with excellent results.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/ArmourAndNewEquipmentGivesRocketSystemExtraPunch.htm
I’m hoping that when we leave Iraq in spring next year we can spare a few thousand more soldiers to send to Helmand with the Merlin helicopters that are used in Afghanistan.
We really are doing all we can and spend well over the defence budget to take the fight to terry in helmand province.
We have also paid dear in blood 154 killed since 2001 but in the passed three years since we took over Helmand from the Americans.
I admit we were behind in all aspects of war fighting at the beginning of 2001-2003 but thing are changing very quickly. We have the best soldiers anywhere lets hope the politicians live up their promises. We were willing to put our troops in Where most of our Euro allies apart from the Dutch and Danes were scared to go.
Where are the French and Germans??
