Saudi order for jets will keep RAF waiting
BRITAIN'S fighter pilots will be kept waiting even longer for the nation's long-delayed new jet because dozens will be sent to Saudi Arabia instead.....
The MoD has committed itself to two further tranches, of 89 and 88 aircraft respectively. But the pressure to sell the plane abroad has forced the department to agree a reduction of at least 24 in the number BAE pledged to include in the second delivery, in order to satisfy the Saudis.
The RAF will at least have to wait longer to get its full complement. But defence sources last night suggested the Saudi order could be used to "get the MoD off the hook", and allow the government to cancel the third tranche without incurring huge cancellation fees.........