Now I'm well aware that the Harrier was rather expensively upgraded not too long before they were retired but the spares situation didn't improve. Lovely upgraded a/c need spares as much as knackered old ones do and given previous by the MoD is it any wonder doubt was cast over the practicality of operating the Harrier going forward. The continious operations of the Harrier in Afghanistan for so long exacerbated the issue, meaning that once they were replaced by the Tornado the writing was on the wall.
Just to confirm we are saying that the Harriers serviceability requirements were greater than the Tornado..............................
If they think they're really going to replace some FA18D in the force structure, they may have a nasty surprise coming.....
GR9s would quite easily replace F18 D in the short term, especially in terms of range and serviceability.