Military planners have maintained that the ministers’ plan to buy inferior fighter jets would “harm capability” and Britain would be less able to undertake military operations if the government continues with its plans to buy the jump jet version of the Joint Strike instead of the catapult-launched carrier version.
The fighter jets are intended for Britain’s Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers which are still under construction.
The British government originally intended to buy the jump jet version of the Joint Strike but after the coalition government took power it decided to buy the catapult-launched carrier version.
Nevertheless, under a cost-saving exercise, the British government is now set to revert to the original plan.
The Telegraph revealed that the catapult-launched carrier version carries far less fuel and fewer weapons than the conventional plane.
“We are currently finalising the 2012-13 budget and balancing the Equipment Plan. As part of this process we are reviewing all programmes, including elements of the carrier strike programme, to validate costs and ensure risks are properly managed,” said a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman.
ISH/MF/HE
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