Tis election year and the Nats said, aside from Nuke ships here before lunch, that the RNZAF jets would be back in the skies. Not now as Labour's just sold'em! To whom though??
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The government says it has done a deal on our Air Force fighter jet fleets.
It has been trying to sell the 34 planes for about four years, and yesterday Defence Minister Mark Burton confirmed a heads of agreement had been signed.
Mark Burton says the price being offered for the Skyhawk and Aermacchi trainer fleets is upwards of $100 million dollars.
He could not go into details, but says it is a fair price and the return will be satisfactory.
He says while the government would have liked to bring the deal to a conclusion sooner, he is pleased with the outcome.
Mark Burton says the proposal will go to Cabinet tomorrow as a late paper for consideration.
He says it is satisfying to have the matter dealt with, and from an Air Force point of view the proceeds will be a welcome addition to the coffers.
Mark Burton doubts this development will hold any sway at the polling booths.
He hopes to be able to reveal the final details later in the week.
