Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:50:14-1:50:44

Why the RAF resisted naval area-air-defense missiles

The RAF saw long-range naval missiles as a challenge to its institutional claim that fighters should dominate the air defense of Britain.

Air DefenceDefence ProcurementInterservice RivalryRoyal Air ForceRoyal NavySurface-to-Air Missiles
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Why did the RAF oppose Royal Navy development of area-air-defense missiles?

Short answer

Because long-range naval missiles threatened fighter procurement and the RAF's institutional primacy in defending British airspace.

Notes

The issue is an interservice procurement conflict rather than a purely technical choice. The RAF defended fighter aircraft as the principal means of protecting the United Kingdom. Effective long-range missiles at sea threatened that role by offering another way to cover airspace and therefore another claimant on the defence budget. The Treasury might compare the apparent cost of missile batteries with fighter squadrons and choose the cheaper-looking option, making institutional resistance rational even if the capabilities were not truly interchangeable.