We've round this particular buoy a few times. The debate over sacrificing small quantities of "high end" platforms to purchase a larger number of "low end" platforms optimised to fight "the war" has been played out on here with mention to Texan II (which the Iraqis and USN seem to be buying for COIN/NTISR roles), the proposed resurrection of the OV-10 Bronco and the even more unrealistic option of re-starting A10 production. Our Tucanos would need to be re-winged for hardpoints; if you're going to buy in new capability then go for the AT-6 - the works already been done to arm it and put a FLIR on it. As for Hawk, well it is a UK product, but how much weaponry would it really be able to put on a target? Something like an AMX might be better. We could dust off the single seat Hawk - that could do point defence quite well in the UK too. How about buying up all those Hunters? 4xADENs could be quite handy in the CAS role.....
I'm surprised that their airships haven't been more supportive; the more squadrons they have, the more command positions they need and the more senior officer posts it generates. However, they do seem utterly welded to the Typhoon can do it all mantra - and this is exactly what CGS/Dannat et al are exploiting. This determination to stick to the high-tech toys, and justify it by constantly talking up a resurgent Russia and China, is providing ample ammunition to the RAF's opponents who can quite rightly point out that the Typhoon isn't stopping soldiers being killed in Theatre, thereby engendering public sympathy to their cause. In a recession, the public want to see the most economical use of their tax contributions; I don't think we in the RAF are playing this very well at the most senior levels.