The unit cost of a P-8A Poseidon is $176.0 million (flyaway cost) or $197.8 million incl. support costs. The airframe costs $111.43 million, the
two CFM56-7B engines cost $20 million ($10 million each), and the avionics costs $31.57 million.
I had a tour of a Canadian CP140 Aurora Block 3 last year at Trinats. It was very impressive. The sensors and mission suite all top drawer, new wings and
four engines, good to go for another 20 years. 12 hours endurance using a fraction of the fuel the old Nimrod put away. All this for 30 million quid a pop.
Now do the maths.
One shiny new unproven jet or 6 modernised arse kickers.
Many thanks to the Canadian crew and its seedcorn lads for the hospitality.