The UK government has not yet placed an order for a much publicized spy plane deal with the American aviation and military giant Boeing, a new report states, meaning that the much-needed military aircraft would only be provided upon US President-elect Donald Trump’s agreement.
The British Ministry of Defense claimed in July that it had “confirmed the deal to purchase nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft” from Boeing.
However, The Daily Mirror reported Sunday that the deal with the outgoing administration of President Barack Obama was far from complete and in fact no orders were made before the New Year.
The problem is that the deal is a “foreign military sale,” meaning that it requires Washington’s approval before Boeing could make the delivery.
This leaves the contract “at the mercy” of Trump, Obama’s successor, the report added.
“Why are we not buying these planes directly from Boeing and instead using a foreign military…