We've had the war. We've had the thanksgiving service. And high praise from politicians for a job well done in what some would say was an unnecessary conflict.

Now for the repercussions. There is talk of the new UK aircraft carriers having to be 25% smaller to save money. There will undoubtedly be a corresponding cut in Joint Strike Fighters as a result. Cuts in the numbers of Eurofighters are again being discussed.

Politicians start wars, the military win them and politicians claim the credit. The armed services are then left to make do with less than what was earlier thought be the minimum necessary to do the job.

Anthony Phillips

Salisbury

Wiltshire

UK

Source: Flight International