Puma, Sea King life extension programme may be cut

A life extension programme for Puma and Sea King helicopters may be cut by the MOD as it looks at whether it would be best to accelerate the planned buy of new helicopters instead of refurbishing already old machines. At the moment the helicopters that need life extending are due to start leaving service in 2012 and new helicopters won't arrive until 2017 at the earliest (and knowing UK defence procurement probably more like 2027). The MOD may lease or buy "off the shelf" to plug the gap. More Hips then?