Harriers leaving Ark Royal. The new aircraft carriers were designed to carry larger, longer-range jets Photo: ROYAL NAVY
We’re All At Sea Over Our New Aircraft Carriers -- Con Coughlin, The Telegraph
The PM is being urged to do a U-turn on buying jets – but it’s the ships that are wrong, says Con Coughlin.
It says something about the Government’s ability to produce a coherent defence policy that all three Service chiefs are now united in their determination to overturn one of the Coalition’s key decisions.
Only 18 months ago, Liam Fox announced a major overhaul of our multi-billion-pound aircraft carrier programme. Instead of equipping the carriers with a new generation of Harrier jump jets, with their limited range and payload, Dr Fox wanted to fit the carriers with more conventional fighters which could operate over longer distances, carry more weapons and employ the latest stealth technology.
It says something about the Government’s ability to produce a coherent defence policy that all three Service chiefs are now united in their determination to overturn one of the Coalition’s key decisions.
Only 18 months ago, Liam Fox announced a major overhaul of our multi-billion-pound aircraft carrier programme. Instead of equipping the carriers with a new generation of Harrier jump jets, with their limited range and payload, Dr Fox wanted to fit the carriers with more conventional fighters which could operate over longer distances, carry more weapons and employ the latest stealth technology.
Read more ....
My Comment: Con Coughlin roasts the previous Labor government on their decision .... as well as the present coalition government .... for the policies that they have implemented on what the future "look" of the Royal Navy will be .... and deservedly so.
Only 18 months ago, Liam Fox announced a major overhaul of our multi-billion-pound aircraft carrier programme. Instead of equipping the carriers with a new generation of Harrier jump jets, with their limited range and payload, Dr Fox wanted to fit the carriers with more conventional fighters which could operate over longer distances, carry more weapons and employ the latest stealth technology.
Read more ....
My Comment: Con Coughlin roasts the previous Labor government on their decision .... as well as the present coalition government .... for the policies that they have implemented on what the future "look" of the Royal Navy will be .... and deservedly so.