 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
French defence minister casts doubt on new aircraft carrier
Paris (AFP) April 20, 2008 French Defence Minister Herve Morin Sunday cast doubt over plans for a second aircraft carrier announced by President Nicolas Sarkozy, citing a cash crunch, and said a decision would be taken soon. "It is clear that the budgetary situation concerning the equipment of our forces makes the construction of a second aircraft carrier difficult," the minister told Europe 1 radio and the TV5 Monde television channel. "It's a decision that we will have to take in the coming weeks," he said, adding: "The president of the republic will decide." Sarkozy had mooted the building of a second French aircraft carrier as early as February last year when he was campaigning for the presidency. It could be built with British cooperation and is likely to coast 3.5 billion euros (5.5 billion dollars), according to recent French parliamentary estimate. The Charles de Gaulle is the only serving French aircraft carrier and the first French nuclear-powered surface vessel. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Naval Warfare in the 21st Century
Submarines Versus Aircraft Carriers Part Two
Washington, April 10, 2008 More than 40 years ago, there was a British heavyweight boxing champion called Henry Cooper who could do everything -- except take a punch. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
