Originally Posted by
FloaterNorthWest
Usually different budgets and processes. New aircraft requires a tender process. Modifying existing doesn’t.
UK not the only military I know of who have done this for budgetary reasons and paid twice as much as new.
For once, not the OEMs fault the system is as it is.
I realise that - another good example being the UH-1Y and W programme, that was also an upgrade! Kept the nameplates and front windscreens I think!