Reminds me of something I saw in Sunday's paper. Hang about... *rustle rustle*... ah yes, here it is.
By Tom McGhie
Washington's refusal to share technology with Britain over the Joint Strike Fighter is putting the £9bn project at risk and threatens to wreck Labour's defence strategy. The Ministry of Defence is already looking at the consequences of cancelling the fighter and investigating other options.
Fears have been growing that America will refuse to provide the software essential for arming and operating the aircraft. A source close to the project said: 'We have been arguing with the Americans for years about this. We have always imagined that they will change their mind, but there is now a horrible realisation that they will not give up their secrets on this one.'
'Without them, we will not be able to operate the plane independently or arm it with British weapons.'
The Joint Strike Fighter is being built by American giant Lockheed Martin. But Britain, which wants it to replace the Harrier jump jet, has contributed £2bn so far. The UK is planning to buy about 150 aircraft for about £9bn.
The MOD is infuriated because Britain has already given America top-secret technology that will allow the fighter to hover. If the UK cancels the project, there will be no immediate replacement aircraft to use on two new aircraft carriers being built for the Royal Navy by 2013.
Key members of the Bush administration and officials from Lockheed Martin are desperately keen that Britain and Australia be given access to the technology. But they are being blocked by one influential Congressman, 81-year old Illinois Republican Henry Hyde. He is refusing to give Britain support over concerns it might export technology secrets to nations America does not approve of.
Bruce George, former Commons defence committee chairman, said: 'We are America's closest ally, we are the biggest external buyer of the JSF, we helped save the project when it was in jeopardy - and we are treated like this.'
George added: 'We should start thinking about modifying the Eurofighter.'