British defense chief dismisses shared carrier
French Defense Minister Herve Morin, right, watches United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defense Liam Fox signing the guestbook before their meeting at the French defense ministry in Paris on Friday. Morin and Fox met amid reports that Britain and France are moving closer to a deal to share aircraft carriers, a move that could save the one-time rivals money in an age of austerity. (AP)
Published: Sep 3, 2010 17:58 Updated: Sep 4, 2010 00:21
PARIS: Britain's Defense Secretary Liam Fox says the idea of sharing aircraft carriers with historical rival France is unrealistic.
Fox met Friday in Paris with his French counterpart Herve Morin. Fox said any decision on aircraft carriers would have to wait until a current strategic review in Britain is complete.
The Times of London reported earlier this week that Britain and France are moving closer to a deal to share aircraft carriers, as part of moneysaving efforts by both governments.
Fox said Friday after meeting Morin, "being able to share an aircraft carrier, I would have thought that that was utterly unrealistic." A French defense official said that discussions were still in their early stages.
