so, SDSR is out tomorrow (monday), and the PM, DefSec and Chancellor are doing the rounds.

Osbourne confirms that the UK will order the full requirement of 138 F-35B - while the F-35B is also the replacement for the soon to be 35 yo Tornado GR4, a buy of 138 will mean that if required, both Carriers could operate at the same time with a full 40 aircraft air group on each.

the PM appears to be concrete in saying that the ASW/MPA gap forced by the loss of Nimrod in 2010 will be closed by an order (almost certainly for the US P-8A) in the near future.

the well informed rumour mill says that the 50 early build Typhoons which were due to be retired in around 2020 will be retained for the Air Defence task.

in less good news it looks like one of the mighty six Type 45 air defence destroyers will be laid up. possibly for spairs. this class of ship is considered by the USN to be the best air defence ship in the world, but its 'new and innovative' power/engine system is a pigging nightmare...