Woah, there chaps, calm down!
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?
Of course we need to replace the F3's and Jags, my point is that there were at least as good options that were available off the shelf for a fraction of the cost of the Typhoon. F15E? We could have equipped a Sqn of F15E's (on time) with the cost of one Typhoon. And as far as replacing the Jags for the CAS role, aren't I right in saying that the Typhoon doesn't have a cannon? That has to at least
limit it's capability.
Only someone who has no understanding of what this jet is capable of would ask that question!
Rather than me tell you why, I suggest you read a bit more on other threads and open source material to understand the roles of this aircraft.
I think that I have a fair understanding of what the asset is going to be capable of, but again, that is not my point. Has the MR2 being used in the MP role over the last few years? If not, there are much better platforms for the role. And let's be honest, the cost of the project for the small number of platforms is astronomical, criminal (not literally!) even. Also, for the c.£400 million per platform, why couldn't the capability by mounted on a modern design. If the Comet was so good, why has it not been flying commercially for the last God knows how long?
Although my initial post may have been slightly flippant, it was not without due thought. UK MOD procurement is too slow, too often rewards failure and is incapable of learning from its mistakes. I'm all for awarding contracts to British companies, but
only if they can produce a product of equal quality/capability at close to competitive cost.