Lack Of Funding Could Force Royal Navy To Borrow U.S. Fighters

Tight budgets may force the British Royal Navy to borrow U.S. aircraft to operate from its new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, say defense sources cited by the Daily Mail (U.K.).

Cuts could require the navy to retire its Harrier fighters early, leaving the new carriers without aircraft once they enter service, officials said.

One possibility is to invite U.S. Marines to fly from the British carriers. The navy is also said to be considering leasing U.S. aircraft. ...