Why British Phantoms did not become target drones

Why were British Phantoms not converted into radio-controlled target aircraft?

Their airframes had already endured severe operational loads and low-level wear, making conversion unattractive.

British Phantoms had already accumulated demanding service in both the Royal Navy and RAF by retirement. The panel points to repeated high-g manoeuvres and exceptionally low-level flying. That use imposed fatigue and exposed the lower fuselage to severe environmental wear. A target-drone conversion only makes sense if enough dependable airframe life remains to justify the control equipment and work. The panel therefore sees these heavily used aircraft as poor candidates despite the appeal of reuse.