Erroneous? Just about everything.
For a start, much of the equipment (kit) on board an RFA is pretty much standard RN.
This is somewhat duplicated by the fitting of much “off the shelf” stuff that is fitted within a commercial ship. The communications, weaponry and so on are prime examples. As is the level of damage control, fire fighting and “protection” systems. Nothing radical there.
The replenishment gear is always being modified and changed…often during refits, but also during the build. But probably this side of things will be a retrofit after the “bare boat” is delivered. (GEC seem to be the prime provider of RAS rig ideas).
ALL MoD ships have to be upgraded / modified as time dictates. This is always quite evident within the aviation capability.
When the “Ols” were introduced in the mid-late sixties the aircraft then in service were primarily the Wasp (for frigates) and various types of “Wessex”. The “Ols” could operate up to 8 A/S “Wessex” around the clock. But then the “Sea King” arrived on the scene. Much greater capability. Almost overnight the job that took a squadron of Wessex aircraft could be done by 2 Sea Kings. More modifications required.
Then came the “Merlin”. Bigger than a Sea King, and so wouldn’t fit the ships hangars. Getting the drift?
These changes to “kit” (including aircraft) can, and do, occur during a build. You have no idea of the changes required either then or later to operate, maintain an aircraft on board a relatively “small” ship. Still have to be able to maintain other aircraft such as the L.Y.N.X (I remember the last time I tried to use that word!).
So, up to now, I haven’t been able to agree with you.
Now to a possible misapprehension on your part.
The “New Ships” are not intended to “replace” the “Waves”…..they are relatively new ships in their own right. The ships that have been de-commissioned are the old “Ols”. There were 3 of them, backed up by others of various classes. Now we are presently down to only 2, and world events have proved that only 2 front line “tankers” are insufficient. So the plans for the new ships haven’t been “de-archived” at all. Of course their will be changes to the original design…be rather silly not to really. But that’s just evolution.
The amount of “work” that will need to be done after delivery will be monumental..
In conclusion, I iterate my statement that you don’t know the half of it.