We're not talking about maintenance, A and C. We are not talking about serviceability (please read tucumseh's post #2511 above). We are talking about a lack of airworthiness of unknown extent. That is already affecting the air-fighting ability of the UK as it inexorably and persistently reduces aircrew and aircraft numbers. When we go to war those costs will accelerate as war-time reality overtakes peacetime complacency. 10 died in a Hercules because it wasn't fit for the purpose for which it was designed, ie as a tactical transport. 14 died in a Nimrod because its fuel system lacked the airworthiness required of it. Both aircraft were on active duty at the time, ie at war!