Tucumseh,
Yep spot on - that is why we DID ask and why 2 Gp did the digging. Proving it on the other hand might require some probing - but it will be possible, so there are no worries there.
I can recall the arguments of getting DIRCM and Flight Deck Armour. HQ 2 gp experts had written countless business cases for such stuff in the past - as they have for fire suppressants, I believe. All they had to do was to dig out the last one that had been refused and try again.
Eventually, people in MOD took heed of our concerns about the threat levels and coughed up - albeit very reluctantly. The procurement guys had also done their stuff and the ac went over to the US quite quickly. Although this had an impact on training and ops, I'd like to think it was worthwhile all the hard work completed by some absolute stars at Gp, HQSTC, MOD and DPA/DLO - at lower levels mind you!
So so you see, MOD is (and has always been) aware - over to you minister!
Bluntend - thanks. Nige- watch this space!