Also is there a definite timeline for AMRAAM to be replaced or is this a hypothetical argument?
The GR4 is still a very capable asset, carrying a varied A2G weapons and RAPTOR. I would rather see money invested into keeping those flying till we get the F35, than on Tranche 1 Typhoons.
A collection of quotes, reflecting some noise in the discussion channel (opinions turning into facts):
AMRAAM, like any other missile, have expiry of stocks dates, not that there wouldn't be any to be had (if we still wanted them, at the time).
Yes, GR4 is a very capable asset, but does not need any further money invested in it (the latest, I think, was bringing the HUDs [back?] to the number that we would ever expect to deploy simultaneously, in an expeditionary way.
- where the money is missing is keeping the numbers of sqdrns operating; so it is not an either-or between the two types. Once the sqdrn numbers question will get settled (and if the SDSR won't do that, what will it actually deliver), then the "x" in the x,y,z simultaneous equation to be solved is the speed at which F-35 numbers will be ramped up)
- personally, my take on it would be "not too much haste"
Ever-lasting truths: Multi-year budgets/ planning by necessity have to address the painful questions; more often than not the Either-Or prevails over Both-And.
If everyone is thinking the same, then someone is not thinking (attributed to Patton)