Helicopters ordered for frontline 'won't fly in Afghanistan'
BFBS 18 April 2011
It is reported that new Chinooks put on order for troops in Afghanistan will not be ready in time to be deployed there because of defence cuts.
The Daily Telegraph says it has obtained information that a dozen new helicopters due to be delivered by 2013 will be delayed until after 2015 when Britain’s combat mission is over.
Labour promised the extra Chinooks in 2009 but a recent deal between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury has seen many projects put on hold to tackle a £1 billion funding gap now. The Chinook orders have been pushed back as a result.
From the original Telegraph article:
"The contract will be placed, but we will reprofile it. The delivery dates will be backloaded." Sir Humphrey would be proud.
I/C
Last edited by Ian Corrigible; 18th Apr 2011 at 17:14.