The Sunday Times - Typhoon “the economics of the madhouse”

[Minty4371]

The RAF is to axe 53 fighter jets that cost at least £4.6 billion and only became operational three years ago.
The Typhoon aircraft, previously known as the Eurofighter, only came into frontline service in June 2007, but a senior air force officer says they will be “approaching obsolescence by 2015”.
The decision to scrap the jets, regarded as among the most advanced in the world, was described last night as “the economics of the madhouse” by Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary.
“The government appears to have no respect for the RAF and the crucial role it plays in our defence or for the serious costs to the taxpayer,” said Murphy.
The 53 Typhoons that formed the first tranche of the order, are thought to have cost about £86m each.
The other jets coming into service over the next few years, which will have greater capability, will cost well in excess of £100m each.
However, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, who is in charge of all RAF frontline attack aircraft, told Aviation Week magazine that the “Tranche 1” Typhoons would not be required beyond 2015.
He said the jet would become “prohibitive for us to operate” and “too expensive to modify” once Britain had taken delivery of more capable planes. Saudi Arabia is already buying 72 aircraft originally intended for Britain and there are now plans to sell up to 15 more “Tranche 3” jets to Oman. Scrapping the 53 Typhoons as well will leave the RAF with just 92 of the planes. The MoD said: “We consider all options when disposing of military equipment to ensure the best financial return for the taxpayer.”

[Xplumberlives]

Jim Murphy Shadow Defence Secretary fails to mention that it was his Labour Party and their previous Government that got us in to this mess!

[Nickolas]

Jim Murphy Shadow Defence Secretary fails to mention that it was his Labour Party and their previous Government that got us in to this mess!

D'oh, I knew there was something he missed out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!