This was an inevitable consequence of the wrong decision being made in the late 80s to replace the MR2 with MRA4 rather than a new build P3/8. The decision was made in part by arrogant and misguided Air Officers who wanted to continue the tradition of a jet MPA rather than a TP. It also meant the high tech internals would be sourced from US/Canadian companies whilst the low tech panel beating done by the Brits. If we had gone for the P3/8 option a lot of the internals would have been British and with further possibilities of exports for P3 upgrades worldwide. Shame on the Air Officers whose decisions have led to the sight of our MPA force being destroyed. As for BWoS will they ever get it right?
Good luck to all of my former colleagues on maritime.