Britain reverses decision on fighter jet
Source: Agencies |
May 11, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
BRITAIN'S defense secretary is ditching proposals to buy a particular type of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter - reverting to an original plan previously criticized by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Defense Secretary Philip Hammond told lawmakers yesterday that Britain would no longer purchase F-35c variants of the Lockheed Martin Corp fighter jet because the cost of modifications to ships needed to accommodate the plane would be about 2 billion pounds (US$3.2 billion).
The jet's design, which does not include vertical take-off and landing, means aircraft carriers would need catapults and arrester gears.
Hammond said Britain would instead purchase F-35b jump jets, which don't require modifications to ships and are compatible with US, French and Italian vessels.
That option was championed by Britain's previous Labour Party government, but dumped by Cameron after he took office in 2010. At the time, Cameron said the F-35c version of the fighter was "more capable, less expensive, has a longer range and carries more weapons."
"The facts have changed and therefore so too must our approach," Hammond told lawmakers. "This government will not blindly pursue projects and ignore cost growth and delays."
Work on planned modifications had already cost 40 million to 50 million pounds.
Defense Secretary Philip Hammond told lawmakers yesterday that Britain would no longer purchase F-35c variants of the Lockheed Martin Corp fighter jet because the cost of modifications to ships needed to accommodate the plane would be about 2 billion pounds (US$3.2 billion).
The jet's design, which does not include vertical take-off and landing, means aircraft carriers would need catapults and arrester gears.
Hammond said Britain would instead purchase F-35b jump jets, which don't require modifications to ships and are compatible with US, French and Italian vessels.
That option was championed by Britain's previous Labour Party government, but dumped by Cameron after he took office in 2010. At the time, Cameron said the F-35c version of the fighter was "more capable, less expensive, has a longer range and carries more weapons."
"The facts have changed and therefore so too must our approach," Hammond told lawmakers. "This government will not blindly pursue projects and ignore cost growth and delays."
Work on planned modifications had already cost 40 million to 50 million pounds.
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