DefenceNews.com: Executive Warns British Carriers May Be Canceled
The industry executive leading an alliance of British companies vying for a contract to build two 65,000-metric-ton aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy has urged a swift conclusion to negotiations, or the project may never happen. It was only a throwaway remark at the end of a conference, but Peter McIntosh, the senior executive who delivered it, emphasized the possible consequences of government and industry not quickly agreeing on a price to build the biggest warships ever planned for the Royal Navy.
McIntosh, giving an update on the program, told an audience Jan. 24 that if things aren’t hurried up, he is in danger of being part of a project that would go on record as the longest program “never to happen.”
He spoke at a closed forum here, where Britain’s leading maritime industry executives and Ministry of Defence officials were discussing the future shape of the fleet. Some of his remarks about the high-profile CVF carrier program have leaked out. McIntosh was on holiday last week and not available for comment.
The warning to get on with the project follows concerns recently voiced by Adm. Sir Alan West, former First Sea Lord, that some in government wanted to abandon the program and use the cash on other projects.
Lord Drayson, defense procurement minister, quashed that speculation Jan. 18 when answering questions in the House of Lords. An MoD spokesman said ministry officials are “redoubling our efforts to get the carrier deal closed. We are still trying to close the gap on the price.”
Nevertheless, industry and government officials continue to talk about opposition to the plans by sections of government, and McIntosh’s remarks add weight to suggestions the carriers might face a problem.....