C 295
malcrf,
we might see things from a different point of view, but I expect we both want to see something in the air - and soon.
I was rather keen on seeing the C 295 as an ASW OCU type aircraft which would also be good at doing the short range stuff. Buy half a dozen now and get on with it, sort of thing.
While also seeing a P-8 Squadron bought a short while later as the front line unit doing the more 'serious' and long range sorties.
However, that is a view from 'cloud cuckoo land' given the government priorities these days.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. What I hope is that we do not have to go through a long and expensive tendering process followed by an even longer airworthiness safety accreditation.