The Royal Air Force may need to cut force structure to counter budget shortfalls. British Ministry of Defence officials tell Jane’s Defence Weekly that problems stem from funds diverted to air elements supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jane’s reports that sources say proposed cuts include two squadrons of Tornado GR4 strike aircraft and delays in delivery of new Eurofighter Typhoons.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
