Quite so Roland, a political ploy to lease that was proven to be hyper-expensive and so, we then bought them outright! Then what happens? They come along with a cunning plan to lease the FSTA! Now, the C17 situation was partly understandable because it filled a huge void in a critical capability. But, the FSTA has become a money-making machine that relied upon the early retirement of the TriStar for a role and, it does not bring a new capability. So, great! We spend a fortune on a shiny new-ish hire-jet that sort-of does the job. Meanwhile the paid-for TriStar gets scrapped instead of enhanced and life extended (not new and no one promoted by it) and, things like MPA are off the plot or, totally off the plot if Scotland votes for Independence.
Muppets
.
OAP