PM to slash Howard’s defence spend - Australia/Arms
Frank Walker; 24/2/08
The Federal Government will launch a major cost cutting assault on multi-billion dollar defence projects established by the Howard government, with the controversial $6.6billion Super Hornet jet fighters first in its sights. Other defence white elephants in the Government’s target include the Abrams tank, three massively expensive air warfare destroyers, two huge amphibious carrier ships, dud Seasprite helicopters, unnecessary flying drones and $16billion worth of undeveloped F-35 joint strike fighters. Work will begin this week on the 2008 defence white paper, the biggest review of Australia’s defence priorities since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. It will reassess the Howard government’s policy of spending $50billion to build a defence force that fits seamlessly into the US military machine.
See: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/pm-to-slash-howards-defence-spend/2008/02/23/1203467452248.html