THE head of the Army was overruled on a £1billion deal to buy helicopters he did not want.
General Sir Roly Walker insisted the had more urgent needs than 23 new choppers.
General Sir Roly Walker was overruled on a £1billion deal to buy helicopters he did not want Credit: Getty
Walker insisted the Army had more urgent needs than 23 new choppers Credit: Ian Whittaker
A source said: “He wanted drones.”
But ministers pushed the deal through allegedly to save jobs and votes in the
An insider said: “Roly made it very clear helicopters were not his top priority.
“He wants drones, he wants digital transformation, and perhaps a replacement.”
The helicopters will be built at Leonardo’s factory in Yeovil, .
An MOD spokesperson said: “The mew medium helicopter will strengthen our Armed Forces, delivering world-class helicopters for our personnel and allies around the world.
They added: “It is a major vote of confidence in British industry, British workers and British innovation, making Yeovil Leonardo’s global centre for military helicopter production, securing thousands of jobs for years to come.”
It comes as
The Treasury has reportedly offered an extra £18bn.
But has ordered all three services to suggest what major programmes can be cut.
Gen Walker, the Chief of the General Staff, had earlier convinced the MoD to spend £1.4bn on 14 special forces Chinooks in 2021.
Former Defence Secretary tried unsuccessfully to cancel the deal as extended range Chinook will cost the same as an F-35B stealth jet.
A source claimed the contract with meant the MoD was “trapped”.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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