In recent months, Britain’s Ministry of Defence, led by Des Browne, has faced headline after headline exposing its alleged failings – from an inability to secure the right gear for troops on the front line to its indecision about whether to proceed with equipment programmes.

Its current dilemma about what to do with the 88 Eurofighter Typhoons it is contracted to buy is the latest example of a procurement decision taken years ago that no longer looks justified by today’s circumstances.