The issue that has vexed so many observers is that MRA4 was cut just as it was about (there may be various views on what 'about' means) to become operational.
However, to my mind, where the jet was in the procurement cycle is completely irrelevant. The fact was that an MPA capability was going to cost the country £2Bn over the next 10 years. The question for SDSR was: Is an MPA capability for the next decade worth £2Bn? The answer, ultimately, was 'No'.
Now we can debate whether 'No' was the right answer, but if for a second we assume it WAS the right answer, then whether the jet was brand new or 10, 20 or 30 years old, then scrapping it was the correct thing to do. The only follow up question is then: Why the hell didn't we scrap it years ago????
Or else 'No', isn't the right answer....