Aircraft critical for the transportation of Britain’s troops and military equipment are having trouble keeping up with the UK’s military deployments, say British members of Parliament.

The Royal Air Force’s strategic lift aircraft are suffering from old age; 45 percent of the RAF‘s fleet does not meet mission-capable status. Of the 75 total strategic lift planes, Britain’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) deemed only 41 ready to fulfill their intended purposes.

These planes, used to transport troops, tanks and supplies to hotspots around the globe, are becoming antiquated. An investigative committee of British members of Parliament said they were “very concerned” about the current condition of this fleet, comprised primarily of old Hercules, VC-10 and TriStar planes, some of which are up to 40 years old.

Many of the planes were tagged as unworthy due to ongoing upgrades, and some are simply breaking down. Either way, the committee felt the current situtation “reflects the fact that the MoD has an ageing transport and tanker aircraft fleet which is being flown at an unexpectedly high level in very punishing conditions.”

Proper transport is vital to proper military operations, stressed James Arbuthnot, chairman of the committee. “The UK needs to be able to transport troops, equipment and stores to troublespots around the globe quickly,” he said. “It is not enough to give our troops the best training and the best equipment, if we cannot transport them to where they are needed and support them once deployed.”

Troops also have to worry about safety, and the ancient Hercules is more susceptible to attack than updated models. Britain lost 10 soldiers in 2005 after hostile fire caused an explosion in a Hercules’ wing tank. Some think more-modern planes would have survived.

The committee urged the MoD to augment its fleet. The ministry is already purchasing five Boeing C-17s, but lasting relief always seems to be over the next hill. The current order for 25 Airbus A400Ms has been delayed, and probably won’t take off for the raf until early 2011.

The Royal Air Force is obviously not the fighting force it once was, and this is affecting Britain’s military preparedness. Supply chains are integral to waging any war, and London is lacking. To those who know their history, this lack of military readiness sounds frighteningly familiar.