Cost-cutting plans set to delay UK's super aircraft carriers
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Dec 5, IRNA
UK-Defense
Britain's Royal Navy will have to wait up to two years longer for its controversial Pnds 4 billion (Dlrs 6 bn) aircraft carriers under cost-cutting plans being finalized by John Hutton, defence secretary, it was reported Friday.
The Financial Times said that results of a review of defence equipment programs are expected early next week and that most would face delays but that no major programs will be cancelled.
But the cost-cutting plans will still not be enough for the British government to balance its defence budget for next year.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), under pressure from the financial crisis, is already stretched from fighting wars on two fronts.
The aircraft carriers, the showpiece of Britain's defence plans, were originally planned to enter service in 2014 and 2016, but the Financial Times said the MoD was considering two options, delaying the first by 12 months or the second by up to two years.
"The delay, intended to spread costs, will also help synchronize the project with the expected delivery in 2017 of the F-35 Lightning II or Joint Strike Fighter, the aircraft being built to fly from the ships," it said.
The paper also reported that the number of helicopters ordered in the UK's Pnds 1 bn Future Lynx program will be cut marginally.
Instead an additional contract will be awarded to upgrade existing Lynx helicopters for use in Afghanistan.
2220**345**1420
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
