The proportion of national income spent on defence, which produces no material return, should depend on the assessment by the government of the nature and extent of threats to national security. These, apart from Beijing’s unconcealed expansionism, appear to be minimal and it would be an unwarranted and unnecessary expense to buy new fighter aircraft. The Prime Minister is absolutely correct in taking that view.

There are many things on which available government income could and should be spent and no doubt the PH government will sensibly weigh up the priorities. New aircraft and improvements to prison accommodation seem to figure near or at the bottom of the list.