Yes, it's very difficult to accept when this sort of thing happens, but the problem is the long duration of the order process. When a situation arises a case has to be made for release of funds from tight budgets, all of which involves it being passed up the management chain, then an order is eventually placed, the aircraft (in this case) is constructed and then delivered and by this stage the original requirement has changed! Not unusual in a fast-changing world.
The end of the 'Cold War' is a prime example. I recall that RAF Bentwaters had a newly resurfaced runway and a newly-constructed admin block shortly before closure was announced. Circumstances alter cases.
