Fergie's Tech Blog

Defense Tech: UK Signs Deal on Joint Strike Fighter

Rupert Cornwell writes on The Independent (UK):

Britain has signed up for the next phase of the US-led Joint Strike Fighter programme, after settling a dispute over technology transfers and gaining what it says will be "complete operational sovereignty" over the 150 aircraft it plans to buy.

The deal came days before the JSF, or F-35, is to make its maiden flight in Texas - the next step in the Pentagon's biggest ever procurement programme, with an estimated total price of $275bn (£140bn). Britain has put over £600m into the demonstration and development phase. Yesterday's move means it will be committing a further £34m to the initial production of the stealth multi-role plane.

posted by Fergie @ 12/12/2006 06:00:00 PM