But this is not new is it? In fact those who will remember the 1960's will recall the reaction to having contracts cancelled and by having to make cost cutting measures.
Making cost cuts doesn't make things bad. It has always happened and it will always happen. Thats the nature of the business we are in. If we want to spend a lot of money on 2 new Carriers we have to expect a lot of change to the spec, the costs, the requirement.
Example. When the requirement for a new all dancing, all singing ASW helicopter was written we were still in the habit of chasing the Russians all over the Atlantic. By the time the aircraft entered service the Russians were our friends and indeed some of them had became NATO partners. But change is good, change makes us sharp and keen.
And whilst the requirement changes then so does the spec and so does the cost. Thats not anyones fault. It happens and it will always happen. The only time that cost isn't driven is when procuring COTS. One last example.
The LSD(A)s had the hangar taken out of the original design as a cost reduction measure
OK, the Hangar was removed because we couldn't afford it. We had budgetted £ x and the ships plus Hangars would cost £ x plus z. so something had to go. Options are scrap the whole thing OR go for a cheaper option. So whats wrong wioth that? Thats basic economics. And as for the NVG option....why was it cut. Because there wasn't a requirement. If there isn't a requirement then it doesn't get costed.