The British Ministry of Defence
last night confirmed that it was negotiating the sale but declined to
disclose how much the Americans are offering.
The US navy, which already has a fleet of Harriers, hopes that the deal
will allow it to continue operating the aircraft into the middle of
the next decade and provide extra planes to replace its ageing two-seat
F-18D Hornet strike fighters.
Rear-Adml Heinrich added that the US was prepared to pay $50m (£32m)
for spare parts alone, while experts said converting the British jets
to US specification is a relatively inexpensive process.
The Harrier’s retirement, which came at the same time as the Navy’s
flagship aircraft carrier Ark Royal was axed, was heavily criticised
by several senior military figures, while dozens of pilots were left
without planes to fly.
The recent campaign in Libya renewed concerns that without the fleet
of Harriers, Britain’s military capability has been severely hampered.
Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who was among those who criticised the defence
review, said: "The issue is not that the US marines are buying
the Harriers: it's that the US still thinks that the Harriers are viable
aircraft. They still think there is a need for them."
The British Royal Air Force Harriers have been kept in storage at RAF
Cottesmore, in Rutland, where they have been maintained in an airworthy
condition in readiness for sale.