We should do whatever it takes to keep DARA open and healthy.
BAE would like nothing better than to see an end to St Athan, which represents a dangerous competitor for the 'Customer Solutions and Support' end of its business. It would like nothing more than to provide all servicing and support to all RAF aircraft through PFI type 'hole in the wall' solutions, or by providing 'Air Power by the Hour'.
The existence of such a home-based competitor (work is unlikely to be sent abroad) is essential to prevent BAE from gaining even more monopoly power, and is vital if we are to achieve air power with value for money for the taxpayer.
Risk averse ITP leaders already blunt the effectiveness of St Athan, since they tend to automatically place upgrade, modification and upgrade work with BAE as the DA and OEM (Design Authority and Original Equipment Manufacturer) even when DARA might do the job better, cheaper and quicker. Those who doubt that DARA can do this need only look at the differences in cost and timescale between the Jaguar upgrade and the BAE Tornado GR4 upgrade.
What a pity that a DARA comparitor bid has not been requested against which to compare BAE's spendthrift Harrier GR9 upgrade proposal.
If the RAF wishes to be the 'intelligent customer' required under 'Smart Procurement' it must retain a full understanding of risk management and costs, and should maintain a robust engineering capability of its own if it is to avoid being fleeced by an increasingly aggressive and monopolistic industrial partner.