[Rainbow Six]

Interesting and thorough piece...well done...would be interested in seeing your take on things in 2000 when it’s done.

Just a couple of questions / comments...

1. Eurofighter. I appreciate there are a great many “what ifs� involved in conversations such as these, especially in a V1 timeline, however as far as I know IRL Eurofighters did not enter service until well into the 21st Century, so even with a continuing Cold war, I’m simply not sure how feasible it would be for any to be in general service circa 1996 / 1997? (Admittedly I do like the idea of the small number of test aircraft being rushed into service at some point).

2. F16’s in British service. I’ve seen this mentioned on the etranger site before. Interesting idea, particularly in a V1 timeline where there’s a need for something to replace the Phantom until such times as Eurofighter enters service. My only question here would be whether the US would be able to provide forty eight Falcons in 1996 when the Sino Soviet War is already in full swing and the USAF is presumably already mindful of its own possible needs in the event of a War. Perhaps a Falcon purchase would have been more likely earlier in the decade?

Also, for what it’s worth, I also think there would be an RAF presence in the Middle East. Jaguars for sure and most likely a fighter Squadron and a C130 detachment as well. I’m not sure about Harriers though...whilst I absolutely agree they’re a logical choice I think it depends on numbers....does the RAF of 1996 have enough to send some to the Gulf, or does the MEFF have to rely on the US for CAS?