A fast jet aircraft capability
Scotland’s squadron should be supported by a 15-aircraft squadron of jet aircraft of the Hawk 200 type, or similar. These aircraft could carry out some air-policing and other similar tasks most cost-effectively and they would also act as an advanced jet trainer for SAF pilots. Whilst we disagree with the contention that Hawk could meet all of an independent Scotland’s requirements, we do agree that as part of the SAF’s development, Hawk could provide an effective early component of a newly independent Scotland’s air policing capability.[/size][/font]
Cheers,
Logan
Yes, that's well-researched: a Hawk 200 is a single seater, so how can it act as an advanced jet trainer?
The proposal for one squadron of fast jets is pretty sound and is the basis for my own 2nd hand F-16s idea. If an independent scotland joins NATO, then I suspect their best bet training-wise would be to use the NFTS Canada system rather than buying a small training fleet of their own, at least initially, since this would help reduce the one-off setup costs of establishing their own forces.
BTW Logan: the link to the full article isn't working, at least not for me.