One of the policies to be implemented as a result of the Defence review is that in order to save fuel, what remaining aircraft there are will be hand launched!
Meanwhile, the MOD has released a statement in relation to the forthcoming carrier procurement.
"It is understood that there are many rumours circulating regarding the Navy's two new state of the art aircraft carriers. It is accepted that the previous governments procurement process and specification document was slightly extravagant, however this administration will make sure the job gets done and will complete the purchase of the vessels. It must be stressed that the original purchase figure was acceptable at the time that the order was placed however costs have risen since.
There are those who have stated that one, if not both, of the carriers subject of this project will be cancelled as a result of these cost rises. We must stress that this is not the case. We will provide our nations defence with the equipment it deserves. We will not compromise on safety. but it must be highlighted that in order to control rising costs and to provide the public with the best value, several downgrades have been instigated from the original, extravagant specification. This will not in any way impede capability.
I am proud therefore, to be in a position to release a photograph of component testing, more specifically the load testing of the new ships catapult system which will be replacing the originally specified digital torque / load responsive electrical firing device. The replacement of this component saves the Ministry Of defence budgets £25.00. Testing is complete and has been signed off.
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