NewsBreakingOnline

Air force’s head of combat operations warns of ‘huge’ demand on resources already feeling strain from swingeing cuts The RAF’s ability to respond to future emergencies will be under threat if the mission in Libya continues beyond the summer, the head of the air force’s combat operations has warned. In a briefing paper for politicians, Air Chief Marshal Sir Simon Bryant said operations in Afghanistan and Libya were together placing a “huge” demand on resources and left morale “fragile”, with many areas “running hot” as the coalition’s defence cuts appear to undermine the efforts of air crews. The paper, obtained by the Daily Telegraph , was given to MPs last month before the head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, questioned the sustainability of current operations. The first sea lord, who suggested the government would have to make “challenging decisions” on force levels if the Libya mission lasted more than six months, was subsequently given a dressing down by David Cameron . Bryant also raised concern about the length of the Libya operation, which has dragged on longer than many observers expected as Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has clung to power. “Two concurrent operations are placing a huge demand on equipment and personnel,” he said. “Should Operation Ellamy (Libya) endure past defence planning assumptions the future contingent capability is likely to be eroded.” He also warned that morale in the RAF was being hit by cuts, thousands of job losses and a pay freeze. “Morale remains fragile. Although fighting spirit remains positive, this assessment will be challenged by individual harmony targets as Operation Ellamy endures [after September],” he wrote. “There is decreasing satisfaction with the remunerative offer and allowances cut and the pay freeze continues to bite.” Referring to last year’s strategic defence and security review, he added: “The impact of SDSR continues to undermine the sense of being valued. There is concern over the perceived lack of strategic direction which is restricting confidence in the senior leadership.” Liberal Democrat armed forces minister Nick Harvey insisted the RAF had “the resources necessary to carry out operations. The prospect of redundancies would of course affect any organisation, but I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and commitment shown by our people and I know they will rise to any challenge,” he said. “Tough but necessary measures had to be taken in the SDSR in consultation with our military advisers, but as our efforts in Libya and Afghanistan are showing, we continue to have the resources necessary to carry out operations.” Military Libya Middle East Africa Defence policy guardian.co.uk