4 CONCLUSION
121. MoD is procuring two new aircraft carriers and
new carrier borne aircraft to provide the Royal Navy with a 'carrier
strike' capability to meet the new environment set out in the
Strategic Defence Review of 1998.
122. As with many other defence equipment programmes,
our Armed Forces are likely to receive the equipment they need,
and the capability they require to undertake their role, later
than planned. Despite trying a new approach to procurement on
the carrier programme, there is a serious risk that the carriers
will enter service later than originally planned. The new carrier
borne aircraft, the Joint Strike Fighter, has already suffered
a two year slippage. As a consequence, there is likely to be a
capability gap and the Royal Navy will be forced to run on less
capable equipment, beyond the date when it was due to be withdrawn
from service. This will come at a cost, both financially and in
terms of reduced capability.
123. The procurement of the Joint Strike Fighter,
a US-led programme, has also raised concerns about the UK's ability,
in the future, to maintain and upgrade the aircraft independently
of the US. To ensure it has this ability, the UK needs cast iron
assurances from the US, its closest ally, that it will get all
the information and technology it requires. If such assurances
are not received, the question must be asked as to whether the
UK should continue its involvement in the programme. This would
be unfortunate, given the UK's close relationship with the US.
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