Delay of destroyers 'deeply worrying' for UK defences

DELAYS in the launch of a new fleet of Royal Navy destroyers could have "deeply worrying implications" for the UK's ability to defend itself against enemy aircraft, a committee of MPs warned today.

The first Scots-built Type 45 destroyer is set to enter service later this year, more than two years late and with the project running £1.5 billion over budget, even though it will not be fully operational.

Edward Leigh, Conservative chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, said it was "disgraceful" that its crucial anti-aircraft missile system had not been fully tested.

The committee found that delays to the project meant ageing Type 42 destroyers had been patched up and kept in service for longer. Mr Leigh said: "HMS Daring, the first of the six Type 45s, will not now enter service until the end of 2009, over two years late and £1.5 billion over the original budgeted cost.

"What is disgraceful is that it will enter service with not one of its main anti-air missiles having been fired from the ship.

The fleet of Type 45s will not have their full capability until well into the next decade."