Sounds like a typical RAF procurement f@(|< up to me. Announce an aircraft that is due to come into service, collaborate with our European 'cousins', slag the Army off over it's perceived problems then hide behind the smokescreen of hurt indignation when their baby fails to come online as expected.
Crabs, wind your necks in.
Who's for a poll?
Eurofighter .... should it be an Empire-builder's asset?