We are no longer a mass manufacturer of civilian airliners. but we do lead the world in aircraft wing technology. This technology and some 8,000 jobs are under threat, however.
There seems a possibility that we shall pull out of our order for 25 Airbus A400M heavy military aircraft. There could also be a sizeable penalty. The deadline is 1st July, it seems.
If we do, and our expertise is replaced by US or German/Spanish developed technology, and we lose an important place within Airbus and elsewhere, then a short-term decision will have led to another export and loss of technology.
Ultimately, the cause will be due to our wizard former/present chancellor, G. Brown, who has squandered so much money that we must now reign back, even though he is talking about spending even more.
The effect on the military, already having to fight on selected days or not allowing paratroopers to make drops because of equipment shortages, may be imagined. It fits in with the same philosophy which authorises aircraft carriers but no aircraft to fly from them.
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