I am not sure that this is a representative example as the UH-72 is basically the civilian helicopter with a new paint job because it is not being used operationally, only as a trainer. Fixed price contracting becomes a lot more problematical when bespoke military requirements are called for to enable operational capabilities. Nevertheless it is still encouraging to see contracting done right for a change.

When Canada upgraded the C130 fleet to the J model the then Chief of the Defense Staff insisted that Canada would buy a bog standard USAF airframe. There was extreme push back from inside the Air Force good idea club who had all sorts of reasons why it had to be "Candain-ized.". CDS ignore all the advice and the result was new C 130 J airframes on time and thanks to a favorable currency fluctuation significantly under budget. Fast forward a few years and the CDS has retired when it is time to buy some new Chinooks. This time the idea that Canada get the stock US Army CH-47F airframe is ignored and after they are Canadian-ized on a cost plus basis, the unit cost is 75% higher than the US Army is paying..... .

I can’t be bothered to re-read the post by some utter turkey above have a tantrum about if this or FB is the place to discus.
if the system you have isn’t working then... of course it is.
From the CAS down to the Sqn LAC you answer to the taxpayer, who pays for your shiny kit.
The intermediary here is the government who get asked the interesting questions by tax payer.
You are training people to fight, it’s a good idea to be efficient and effective with that training. It doesn’t read like that is happening at all, and those that now resort to ‘whistle blowing’ don’t want the system to fail, really.
This is why the head of the RAF needs to be a civilian. Not someone who makes Xmas videos.

"Not someone who makes Xmas videos."
Harsh, but fair. Though think his heart is in the right place.

"This is why the head of the RAF needs to be a civilian"

May your God help us if this ever comes to pass.......

I would retire immediately........

Oops, I have retired already - thankfully..............

The heretofore mentioned civilian head of the RAF could be ex-RAF. Would that really be so bad?

"The heretofore mentioned civilian head of the RAF could be ex-RAF. Would that really be so bad?
"Perhaps the Secretary of State for defence could be a serving Officer of any service. CDS Perhaps?

Good point, should it be law? If an when Labour get in they may well struggle.
I think an experienced CEO would easily manage the RAF, finance acumen and real world experience are met. Not driving a mower through the Mess, like we did in Lasrbruch.

Having heard of an unfortunate interaction at Lossiemouth last week, I would say leadership and common sense go no higher than Flt Lt now, and above that stupidity and arrogance excel.

Oh do tell. We're all ears.

Currently reading this

Tales From the Headquarters: A year at RAF Cranwell

Seems nothing has changed just the prices keep going up, and people just want to keep ticking pre-promotion boxes.