MTADS was a recognised requirement from the outset but three options were available:
1. Invest significant amounts in UK R & D for a 'local' upgrade.
2. Invest in the in-progress US R & D for an upgrade.
3. Wait for the US solution to be fielded and get a somewhat lower price avoiding some if not all of the R & D costs.
Needless to say we went for option 3 and this has been in the pipeline for some 3+ years.
We continue to operate effectively with what we have but there is no doubt that the upgrade will be a welcome enhancement to an already potent capability.
The upgrade is imminent so it would be ill advised to invest massive amounts in new spares for the old system when we are about to begin the upgrade.
Bit of a no brainer really,
HEDP