Concerning Harriers

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

To:US Department of Defense Odinson
Cc:
Subject: Concerning Harriers
Attachments: Blocked Production.pdf

To whom it may concern,

I am writing on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to express concern at reports that the Department of Defense may be considering the sale or transfer of production licences for the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II.

As you will appreciate, the Harrier remains in operational service with the Royal Navy. For that reason, any proposal to place its production under licence elsewhere raises concern in terms of national security and the integrity of the aircraft’s role. We fully recognise and respect the aircraft’s service within the US Marine Corps, and it is precisely because of our shared reliance on this platform that we see the need to proceed with caution.

Accordingly, we must ask that the Department of Defense and US Defence Sales does not enter into, or commit to, any agreement for the sale, licensing, or transfer of the AV-8B Harrier II, or its variants, without prior consultation and the express consent of the Ministry of Defence. It is essential that our two departments continue to act in step to safeguard this capability which, besides from the F-35B, remains uncontested.

I trust that in line with the longstanding and close defence relationship between our nations, you will treat this matter with the seriousness it warrants. We remain ready to discuss this further at your convenience to ensure our mutual interests are protected.

Kindest Regards,
Ross Hewitt

Ross Hewitt | Minister for Defence |