Major defence equipment purchases should not surprise government. It's a bit like owning a house; 
 the roof needs replacing every 15 years, drains need fixing, painting is required, new washer, dryer, fridge etc to be replaced to keep it safe and functional.
 Ususally from 17% to 23% of the allocated defence budget is allocated for equipment replacement each and every year. Unfortunately these funds are an easy scoop for any government seeking budget relief. After all, who will complain? The military are not permitted to do so and the public are indifferent.
This failure to provide the equipment upon which may depend the lives of our men and women in uniform is not just disappointing. It is a shameful breach of trust.