Cancellation of NIMROD MRA4 Programme - A Serious Concern – The Future Maritime Surveillance Report published by the House of Commons Defence Committee expressed serious concern about the security implications of the Government’s decision to scrap NIMROD.   An Armed Forces Minister said: "UK maritime surveillance is being delivered by a wide range of military assets, including our surface ships, submarines, MERLIN and SEA KING helicopters, SENTRY and HERCULES aircraft, and we are also co-operating with our allies.      The NIMROD MR4 was cancelled in the 2010 SDSR, the project had been delayed for many years and cost taxpayers more than £4bn.    The decision created a "capability gap" in maritime surveillance, leaving the United Kingdom dependent on other countries.   The Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee went on to say "We are unconvinced that the MoD has the capacity to respond to any escalation in the risks that may appear beyond the UK's shores."

Currently information from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft from Germany, Spain and Luxembourg are being used to assist with our Nuclear Deterrent Patrols.    Enough said.