Nurse,
How long are we liely to be involved in the sandpit(s)? IMHO a disturbingly long time. Witness Condi Rices attempts last week to steel NATO for a "long counter-insurgency war". If this war lasts another 10-15 years (not unreasonable considered the lack of clear enemy CoGs and their fanaticism) then shouldn't we be investing in capabilities now that will stop our people becoming casualties in 5-8 years time?
The sort of Rhetoric that Putin spouted last week is just what CAS, BAES and the rest of the Military Industrial Complex (as Ike put it) wants to hear. In reality, if the Bear gets shifty, 232 TypHoons are really not going to make a difference, and, if we are genuinely concerned about a new Cold War when is the GDP spent of defence going to assume the 3.5-4% level again?
An all-new FW Gunship based on A400 or C130J could be in service for an awfully long time. The sort of "service" they could provide in just the ISTAR role (to relieve other assets) would make them earn their keep. Put a decent up to date DAS on the thing (new MWS/LAIRCM/IRSS etc)so you can operate it in daylight, a good TI /LLTV turret and away you go.
ISTAR, TST, CAS all in one platform with deep magazines and excellent endurance.
Meanwhile, yes, let's get more AH and crews to fly them rather than fretting about Colonels' taxis....