Aircraft carriers 'may get jump jets' 19.03.12
9It is reported that spiralling costs for the new aircraft carrier programme could force the Government to scrap the cat and trap version of the new Joint Strike Fighter in favour of a jump-jet variant.
The Guardian and the Telegraph newspapers both report Defence Secretary Philip Hammond wants a U-turn after projected costs for modifying the carriers to take the F-35C fighters reached as much as two billion pounds.
It is understood Prime Minister David Cameron has been warned the carrier programme could be delayed by as much as seven years -- or until 2027 -- if existing plans are not abandoned.
The Guardian says military advisors have told him the best option is to switch back to the F35-B jump jet version, previously ruled out as inferior and more expensive by the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
A Whitehall source is quoted as saying: "There will be short-term pain for the government, but in the long run, it is by far the best option. Adapting the carriers is skewing the defence budget out of shape, and there is every likelihood the costs will continue to rise. It has to be Cameron's decision, but the military advice is clear."
The Defence Secretary is said to have "demanded a vow of silence" from all senior MOD civil servants. They have been told not to speak to the media about any military equipment programmes without his authority before the budget for next year is approved.
An MOD spokesman told the Guardian that no decisions have been taken.
He said: "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. The defence secretary expects to announce the outcome of this process to parliament before Easter."