Do we still need it at all? Is it not another Cold War relic? (Typhoon ).
Only someone who has no understanding of what this jet is capable of would ask that question! If we cancelled all of our Cold War relics we would have no equipment left. Although Typhoon is going to be late into service we still need to replace the F3s and Jags. What do we replace it with if we don't get Typhoon?
And why is the MRA4 a Cold War relic? Do we not still have a maritime patrol requirement? In the UK? In the North Atlantic? Caribbean? Med? Gulf? And if it is a relioc why are the USN so keen to get their hands on the P8?
The MRA4 is a leap in capability, and it will be awesome once it finally gets into service.