Air Force Capabilities

Abstract

I am absolutely convinced that if deterrence should ever fail, our best opportunity for a successful forward defence is immutably anchored in a completely joint effort by all Services. That short phrase, ‘should deterrence fail’, slips out and floats around so innocently; and yet underlying it is a condition of such unthinkable destruction and violence that we should never forget its implications. Those of us charged with the defence of the Alliance can never forget what the alternative to peace holds in store; and, since its inception, the Atlantic Alliance has striven through various policies, pursuits and programmes to strengthen our defence.