But with a fleet of 6, what the f*ck's the point?
It might be great for winning a trophy and flying the flag, but the numbers seem totally operationally inadequate as an MRA force. Even as a dedicated recce platform for ops such as Afghanistan it seems inadequate to maintain a 24 hour orbit whilst still having a UK training element plus exercises, deep maintenance etc.
Maybe it would be too embarrassing to admit that, thanks to BAe, we are effectively out of the ASW business - just like we are out of the maritime strike business and the photo recce business.
To use your own expletive, what the f*ck would you know?
