It seems that the Harrier GR9 support contracts with BAE Systems and Rolls Royce do (did?) contain cancellation clauses - see
here.
The Harrier GR.9 and Nimrod MRA.4 projects carry the biggest risk to the MoD, he said. BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce signed support contracts worth GBP574 million and GBP198 million respectively for the RAF/Royal Navy Harrier force only last year. Both contracts have eight years left to run, so the MoD will likely face a substantial bill to compensate the companies for their termination.
I don't think our Prime Minister is very good with details, like how to retain the skills to run carrier operations, or what happens should unexpected events occur. Good at the
PR stuff though, although not good enough to win a majority in the election
And
Navy News reports the last take off from
Ark Royal:
Harriers pay 'emotional' farewell to Yeovilton