British ministers questions defence officials over why a new warplane will cost hundreds of millions of pounds in extra costs amid a growing clamour for an inquiry into the aircraft’s technical glitches and price tag.
The defence select committee head, Julian Lewis, will recommend a special hearing in purchasing 138 F-35 Lightning II aircraft following revelations of cost overruns and technical shortcomings exacerbated by defence budget cuts.
The ‘stealth’ aircraft, is said to be the “most powerful and comprehensive” warplane in history, but can only store 10GB of data, less than an average iPhone.
Britain’s defence budget faces significant cuts and is overstretched as it is.
Britain will purchase 138 of the aircraft from manufacturer Lockhead Martin that each would cost around £50m more than the around £100m they were originally thought to cost, although their price tag was not publicly released.
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