PT,
You will probably need a more enlightened response from our SEEDCORN mafia in Pax. However, there are a couple of clues in the comments:
1. The training is happening at Pax.
2. long-endurance aircraft is in its flight-test phase.
So, more like T&E rather than R&D. The article is slightly unclear as to whether our team already at Pax is going to take this on or we are sending extra people out there? Certainly, if it's ex MPA SEEDCORNERs, everything hinges on SDSR 15 before the future is certain post SDSR.
Therefore, I suspect that after training our guys will continue with T&E until the future of SEEDCORN is determined. But that is just my unqalified guess.
ORAC - thank you for that pick up. Interesting how silent the UK MOD and RAF News appears to be on the subject of SEEDCORN. Out of sight, out of mind and less awkward questions to be asked by ministers.