The real question is can the RAF do it’s tactical airlift mission with just the A400s?

Seems like retiring reasonably new, New generation Hercules may be a mistake.

Can the A400 fleet take on those extra missions, or will the have issues absorbing more missions? 

In other words, will they wear out ?

Also, is it logical to use A400s for missions that a Hercules can do?

It’s not an easy question to answer…more complex than just comparing hourly costs. 

Yes, there are huge savings in training and maintenance by rationalizing the fleet, but at some point that stops.

No doubt the RAF senior leadership told the politicians what they wanted to hear and made a case for it. But how deep did they do the math?

and if course there is the elephant in the room… the fact that having so few tactical airlift leaves little room for increased emergency operations or attrition.