Why visible combat forces can crowd out essential enablers

The force-numbers argument extends beyond ships. Infantry formations are cheaper to maintain than armoured forces, while new tanks require long-term investment and cannot be bought rapidly once a crisis starts. In the RAF example, combat aircraft remain highly visible while transport aircraft, tankers, airborne early warning, and maritime patrol aircraft receive less protection in spending decisions. Those support fleets determine whether the headline force can deploy, see, refuel, and sustain operations. The passage asks readers to judge force structure by its enabling depth as well as its most visible combat platforms.