Row brewing over Boeing Wedgetail jets
DEFENCE chiefs who have been criticised for buying American “Awacs” airborne radar aircraft from Boeing and failing to run an open competition are trying to head off the row by “Anglicising” the aircraft with British-made components.
The RAF wants to replace its wornout fleet of E-3D “Sentry” aircraft and is understood to be poised to agree a deal with the US aerospace giant for its E-7 “Wedgetail” jets.
However, the E-7 has very little UK content, meaning British companies will hardly benefit from the £2bn deal.
Rival defence companies are furious that the contract has not been opened to competition, though others say the E-7 is already combat proven and other products could take years to develop.
RAF personnel are already training on the E-7 with the Australian air force, which has the jet in service.
Attempts to drive work into the UK are thought to include Cambridgebased Marshall converting the Boeing 737 airliner, which the E-7 is based on, to military specification.
Major maintenance work once the aircraft join the RAF could also be done in the UK, rather than flying them back to the US. However, defence insiders have questioned the value of the Mod’s moves.
MPS on the defence select committee have warned the MOD against “buying off the shelf ” from Boeing without running a competition.
The MOD said a decision on Awacs “will be taken in the best interests of national security in the face of intensifying threats after full consideration”.