28.10.2003, 10:36
Zitat:The Sunday Times - BusinessHört sich nach guten Nachrichten an.
October 26, 2003
France set to clone Navy’s new carrier
Andrew Porter and Dominic O’Connell
THE British and French governments are close to a historic deal that could see France buy a copy of the two multi-billion aircraft carriers being built for the Royal Navy.
The accord is likely to see some elements of the French vessel built in Britain.
Discussions have gone on between the British and French governments at official and ministerial level in recent weeks, and a memorandum of understanding is expected soon.
The French navy urgently needs a new aircraft carrier. The nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle, its only operational carrier, is due for a major refit in 2012, about the time that the first of the Royal Navy’s new ships will enter service.
Three options are being considered — a new, nuclear-powered vessel, a conventionally powered ship, or a ship that would ‘piggyback’ on the British carrier effort. A final decision is expected by the end of the year.
Co-operation between the governments has been aided by the appointment of an Anglo-French consortium — comprising BAE Systems and Thales —- to design and build the Royal Navy ships. While the French aircraft carrier’s hull and superstructure would be constructed in France, key IT and sensor systems could be provided by teams based in Britain.
Defence secretary Geoff Hoon met his French counterpart Michèle Alliot-Marie in Toulouse last month and discussed the potential benefits of co-operation.
Außerdem gäbe es eine wirklich interoperable europäische(so ungern Ich das Wort benutze) Flugzeugträgerflotte.:juhu: