Albion 69
10-06-2008, 07:01 PM
Two Royal Navy destroyers have been sent to sea without their guided missiles, in order to save money, it has been revealed.
The Sea Dart missiles, which have a range of 40 miles, have been used to protect HMS Exeter and HMS Southampton against air attack.
Without the missiles, it is believed the ships are defenceless against enemy planes.
Both Portsmouth based vessels have been operating without the missile systems since last year, in that time, the Exeter has twice sailed to the Mediterranean to join a NATO-led operation.
Sea Dart, which has been in use since 1977 and first used successfully in the Falklands War in 1982, is due to be phased out when the new Type 45 Daring class destroyers come into service.
However both ships are likely to be fully operational until next year.
The news of the cuts have been greeted with anger from defence experts.
Mike Hancock, Portsmouth South MP and a member of the Defence Select Committee, said: "Questions need to be put to the Navy asking how that was allowed to happen because you cannot have ships deploying without important equipment."
A Royal Navy spokesman said: "Sea Dart was deactivated in both ships last year, as part of a short-term decision to save money.
Navy destroyers sail without missiles - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/2104716/Navy-destroyers-sail-without-missiles.html)
Good to see this Government funding our forces properly , reports that Soldiers will soon have to share rifles have been denied ... :rolleyes:
The Sea Dart missiles, which have a range of 40 miles, have been used to protect HMS Exeter and HMS Southampton against air attack.
Without the missiles, it is believed the ships are defenceless against enemy planes.
Both Portsmouth based vessels have been operating without the missile systems since last year, in that time, the Exeter has twice sailed to the Mediterranean to join a NATO-led operation.
Sea Dart, which has been in use since 1977 and first used successfully in the Falklands War in 1982, is due to be phased out when the new Type 45 Daring class destroyers come into service.
However both ships are likely to be fully operational until next year.
The news of the cuts have been greeted with anger from defence experts.
Mike Hancock, Portsmouth South MP and a member of the Defence Select Committee, said: "Questions need to be put to the Navy asking how that was allowed to happen because you cannot have ships deploying without important equipment."
A Royal Navy spokesman said: "Sea Dart was deactivated in both ships last year, as part of a short-term decision to save money.
Navy destroyers sail without missiles - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/2104716/Navy-destroyers-sail-without-missiles.html)
Good to see this Government funding our forces properly , reports that Soldiers will soon have to share rifles have been denied ... :rolleyes: