Ex-defence chiefs oppose scrapping Nimrod aircraft

The decision to get rid of the 4bn fleet was taken on cost grounds.

With the process of breaking up the equipment set to begin, a number of service chiefs have signed an open letter to a daily newspaper warning of the dangers of the move.

"Machine tools have been destroyed; several millions of pounds have been saved but a massive gap in British security has opened," the letter said.

Nimrod's role would have included reconnaissance, anti-submarine surveillance and support to Trident submarines.

Signatories included Marshal of the RAF Lord Craig, the former Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of Air Staff; Major General Julian Thompson, the commander of land forces in the Falklands conflict and Air Vice-Marshal Tony Mason, the former Air Secretary for the RAF.