An order for 23 helicopters is criticized for preserving the surviving Puma fleet's size without first defining the number of deployable squadrons needed. The estimate is that this fleet can reliably provide one squadron of 12 aircraft. Larger totals, such as 36 or 44, are suggested to support two squadrons while allowing for maintenance and deep maintenance. Copying the remaining inventory can therefore preserve past losses as the baseline for a replacement programme. The Treasury funding dispute over even this order also tests the review's promise to make defence an organizing principle of government.
Notable Point · 3:01:13-3:02:32
Helicopter orders and the number of deployable squadrons
The 23-helicopter order illustrates why replacement quantities should reflect deployable squadrons and maintenance needs, rather than the surviving size of an older fleet.