A perfect demonstration of how far up their own backside those at the top of the RAF chain are.
There is no logical answer to the question, "Why?". In an attempt to take a balanced view of things as they stand............
1. Helicopters and AT are a massive priority, as the conflict that we are currently engaged in has little need for a large FJ presence and more for combat support.
2. The MR2 provides much more than one of the most capable ASW platforms in the world and it's capability 'capping' has far greater reach than most appreciate (including those in the Main Building, it would seem). The end result of this gap could be as small (?) as the inability to fix and assist a vessel in distress that is out of range of UK SAR(H), or as large as the compromise of the nation's nuclear deterrent.
3. Whilst the introduction of a new and capable FJ fleet is important to the defence of the UK, it is NOT the priority at this time, nor is it likely to be in the next 2/3 years.
It leaves only one question of events in the MoD........
......has the Christmas party season started already?