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MOD restates why RAF Shadow Mk2 was cancelled
The British Ministry of Defence reiterated that it cancelled the Royal Air Force's Shadow Mk2 upgrade because the program was late, failed to deliver the required capability, and faced unacceptable cost escalation and further delays. The planned work would have added mission systems, defensive equipment, and range to the Beechcraft-based surveillance fleet, but ministers said resources would instead support other priorities and the existing Shadow Mk1 aircraft. Mk1s remain operational with 14 Squadron at RAF Waddington for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance while the ministry considers longer-term airborne surveillance needs; no direct replacement was announced.