Could a Vulcan successor fit Britain's contribution to NATO?

Should the Royal Air Force seek a successor to the Vulcan?

A small bomber force could fit a proposed emphasis on British naval and air power within NATO, but B-21 export access and the RAF budget remain major doubts.

Clarke would welcome a small British heavy-bomber force, but expects both the price and American willingness to supply B-21s to be obstacles. His preferred contribution to NATO emphasizes a strong navy and air force with global reach. Large continental armies are closer to the likely land theater, while Britain could supply advanced ships and aircraft alongside smaller forward ground forces. Carriers, guided-missile submarines, and heavy bombers fit that proposed division of effort. Fleet broadly agrees but adds a ground-force qualification: Britain should continue providing the experienced staff and core needed to command a division. That preserves a specialist army contribution alongside the proposed emphasis on naval and air power.