ianstone
10-13-2010, 02:31 PM
The Royal Navy looks set to have two new carriers capable of supporting planes as well as helicopters, Ministry of Defence sources have confirmed.
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2010/Oct/Week2/15757396.jpg
An image of a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier from the Ministry of Defence
There had been speculation the second of the two carriers ordered by the Navy - the HMS Prince of Wales, due to enter service in 2018 - would be either be scrapped, downgraded, or moth-balled following the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).
Originally conceived as a Queen Elizabeth class carrier capable of supporting the American-built F35 Joint Strike Fighter, it had been rumoured the MoD would alter its specifications to that of a helicopter carrier.
But it would appear pressure from the Royal Navy (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/) has prevailed over financial concerns.
With just two days remaining before all SDSR decisions must be finalised, further horse-trading between the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Security Council could see these plans change.
Cabinet Office sources have told Sky News the negotiations are likely to continue "until the last possible moment", but indications are the aircraft carriers as initially envisaged will survive the cuts.
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2010/Oct/Week2/15757419.jpg
Model of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at the Farnborough Airshow in Surrey
But the delivery date of 2018 is set to be pushed back.
"The Navy has argued its case well," a Whitehall source told Sky News.
"They've made the case effectively for two aircraft carriers, arguing that in these times of geo-political instability there is a pressing need to ensure we always have carrier capability wherever it might be needed.
"Still, no one expects the Prince of Wales to be ready by 2018".
An MoD source has confirmed delays to the carrier were "a fair bet", but insisted "no final decisions have yet been made".
The SDSR has been taking place in parallel with with the government's Spending Review, leading many to conclude that costs not capabilities have been the driving force behind the defence review.
A leaked letter from the Defence Secretary revealed the extent of his unease at the the cuts he was being forced to make. (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Military-Cuts-Police-Search-MoD-After-Liam-Fox-Letter-To-PM-Warning-Against-Cuts-Is-Leaked/Article/201009415747390)
Writing to the Prime Minister, Liam Fox said: "Frankly this process is looking less and less defensible as a proper SDSR and more like a "super CSR" (Comprehensive Spending Review).
"If it continues on its current trajectory it is likely to have grave political consequences for us, destroying much of the reputation and capital you, and we, have built up in recent years."
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2010/Oct/Week2/15757405.jpg
HMS Prince of Wales is unlikely to be delivered during 2018
David Cameron has made clear with operations in Afghanistan ongoing the Army should emerge from the review largely unscathed.
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2010/Oct/Week2/15757396.jpg
An image of a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier from the Ministry of Defence
There had been speculation the second of the two carriers ordered by the Navy - the HMS Prince of Wales, due to enter service in 2018 - would be either be scrapped, downgraded, or moth-balled following the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).
Originally conceived as a Queen Elizabeth class carrier capable of supporting the American-built F35 Joint Strike Fighter, it had been rumoured the MoD would alter its specifications to that of a helicopter carrier.
But it would appear pressure from the Royal Navy (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/) has prevailed over financial concerns.
With just two days remaining before all SDSR decisions must be finalised, further horse-trading between the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Security Council could see these plans change.
Cabinet Office sources have told Sky News the negotiations are likely to continue "until the last possible moment", but indications are the aircraft carriers as initially envisaged will survive the cuts.
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2010/Oct/Week2/15757419.jpg
Model of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at the Farnborough Airshow in Surrey
But the delivery date of 2018 is set to be pushed back.
"The Navy has argued its case well," a Whitehall source told Sky News.
"They've made the case effectively for two aircraft carriers, arguing that in these times of geo-political instability there is a pressing need to ensure we always have carrier capability wherever it might be needed.
"Still, no one expects the Prince of Wales to be ready by 2018".
An MoD source has confirmed delays to the carrier were "a fair bet", but insisted "no final decisions have yet been made".
The SDSR has been taking place in parallel with with the government's Spending Review, leading many to conclude that costs not capabilities have been the driving force behind the defence review.
A leaked letter from the Defence Secretary revealed the extent of his unease at the the cuts he was being forced to make. (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Military-Cuts-Police-Search-MoD-After-Liam-Fox-Letter-To-PM-Warning-Against-Cuts-Is-Leaked/Article/201009415747390)
Writing to the Prime Minister, Liam Fox said: "Frankly this process is looking less and less defensible as a proper SDSR and more like a "super CSR" (Comprehensive Spending Review).
"If it continues on its current trajectory it is likely to have grave political consequences for us, destroying much of the reputation and capital you, and we, have built up in recent years."
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2010/Oct/Week2/15757405.jpg
HMS Prince of Wales is unlikely to be delivered during 2018
David Cameron has made clear with operations in Afghanistan ongoing the Army should emerge from the review largely unscathed.