UK closer to JSF sovereignty deal

Published: Jun 05, 2006
Source: www.flightglobal.com



The US and UK governments are still "working out the details" of resolving technology transfer issues on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), despite an agreement by President George Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair that the UK will have "operational sovereignty" over the aircraft.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting on 26 May, Bush and Blair said: “Both governments agree that the UK will have the ability to successfully operate, upgrade, employ and maintain the Joint Strike Fighter such that the UK retains operational sovereignty over the aircraft.” The governments also agree “to protect sensitive technologies” in the JSF, and are “working out the details, while remaining committed to these principles”.continue..