In evidence submitted to the Judicial Review, it has been suggested that the costs to the taxpayer of meeting equivalent safety standards as would apply at a civilian airport would run into the tens of millions. For example, the MOD submitted evidence that suggested that measures to address a lack of adequate emergency runway run off areas to allow for potential under/over-shooting aircraft would alone cost in excess of £21 million at a time of defense cutbacks.
A quick e mail to ESCO would get them an off the shelf EMAS bed installed at the end of each runway for around $5 million.
Oh I forgot, would probably cost 20 million and 10 years for the MOD to do feasibility studies etc!!