A well-connected chum told me that the provision of spares for the TypHooon had been provisioned at the level it has, as an 'at-risk' venture. Signed off by Jock Stirrup....
Most new TypHoons have therefore been robbed to keep known-to-be-serviceable jets serviceable, or so I was told.
He might have been wrong - but somehow I doubt it.
Of course it gives the bearded bull$hitter yet another chance to rant.....
RAF engineering practice was once described as "Borrowing the wheels from your mate's car to get yours through the MoT". Harsh words.....but fair!