No one mentioned refuelling during task periods. So lets stop attacking folks on things nobody said, ok?
Thus, an ENDURING fundamental requirement of a MODERN Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft is the need to carry out a 4-6 hour on station period, equating to 10-12 hours airborne time...wait for it.... WITHOUT AAR.
LRMPA task are apparently so urgent you can pause them for 5+ years without anyone getting hurt or even worried. Meanwhile e.g. pirats are becoming a real problem (people getting hurt) without e.g. the UK having a suitable MPA to respond, chewing on their USSR era LRMPA / ASW requirements instead.
I can imagine politics are getting fed up after the 4billion we know better drama, and the RAF better start with a fresh sheet of paper and some new inputs drawing up MPA requirements that are more realistic and future / budget proof.
Not an opinion people want to hear, I know, but seeing how quick the Nimrods were scrapped not far beside what influential people in London think.