Leon,
I'm frankly bored with the MRA4 rumour and innuendo but accept in good grace that this is a rumour network nonetheless. Lets await the post-project review on MRA4 to gain proper clarity on the real issues............... I suggest it will be along wait......
However, I find your comments regarding MR2 overland operations ill-informed and in poor taste. When the MR2 undertook the overland ISR roles in concurrent operational theatres, the UK had nothing else other than a begging bowl to our cousins.
If you wish to debate whether the platform played a key role in delivering truly strategic effect then I can assure you that there is a compelling case; I was there at the front line and in the PJHQ with a purview of exactly what was happening. The pull was from HQ to the Kipper fleet, not the other way around - fact!
Out