But would the MoD deploy the MRA4 in any conflict armed with the Storm Shadow, probably not.
Is it the fact our Government doesn't believe in strategic bombers nowadays or is it another factor, other than cost?
The USAF have B1B and B52H bombers orbiting over Iraq and Afghanistan providing CAS to the troops on the ground with JDAMs and other ordnance.
A Nimrod MRA4 with a suitable weapon load of Precision Guided Bombs in the bay and/or pylons could also do this, it has inflight refuelling, a long endurance.... and it has the capability to do other mission profiles while its at it, such as ISTAR.
Also, wouldn't One or Two Nimrods oribiting the theatre with its long 'on-station' time be cheaper than using several ground attack jets on several sorties which require inflight refuelling in each from the old VC-10s?