As the A400M saga takes on rather dramatic twists and tempers rise, the temptation becomes nearly overpowering to start pointing fingers, calling names and apportioning blame. This apparently holds true for not only outside commentators such as the undersigned, but even those in government, the military and industry whose decisions and attitudes in the weeks and months ahead will shape the ultimate fate of the programme. rnYet such a temptation much be resisted, because in the end it will amount to a sterile and self-destructive exercise. Rather, would everybody please keep their heads quite cool and start by where we should rationally begin -namely, by rationally assessing whether or not there still is an operational requirement for an aircraft such as the A400M, and whether industry can credibly claim being in a position to develop and manufacture it at a cost our economies can afford.
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