UK Super Carriers May Be Scrapped

One or both of the Royal Navy's super aircraft carriers, which are due to launch in 2016 and 2018, may become casualties of the UK Government's Strategic Defence Review.

Defence giant BAE Systems is planned to axe almost 1,000 jobs as it copes with the inevitable cuts inflicted by the Government's spending review.

Shocked union chiefs warned the move could be the 'tip of the iceberg' amid fears the Royal Navy's two £5.2billion aircraft carriers to be ditched to cut costs.

The Ministry of Defence has asked BAE in the past week to look at the financial implications of scrapping one or both of the 65,000-ton replacement warships.

The defence giant - part of a consortium building the ships - was instructed to look at options including 'one carrier or no carriers', its chief executive, Ian King, said.

The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions warned that the review will mean 'worrying prospects' for the defence industry.

Mr King made the revelation while giving evidence to the House of Commons' defence select committee yesterday.

The request comes as the Government carries out its Strategic Defence Review, which is looking at ways to save cash in the Armed Forces.

By: Shelldrake