Last-minute political maneuvering could yet thwart the ambitions of senior Royal Air Force officers to acquire the U.S. RC-135 Rivet Joint as a replacement for the Nim-rod Rl electronic intelligence aircraft. The Rivet Joint is the air force's favored option to replace the Nimrod Rl, in preference to either refurbishing the present aircraft or using the Nimrod MRA4, now finally nearing the completion of development, as the basis for a conversion. Such is the sensitivity of the decision that industry executives suggest it will in effect be made by John Hutton, the British secretary of state for defense. Hutton, according to one executive, was briefed by senior procurement officials on the choice in late March. A decision on how to replace the Rl capability is being considered as part of the ministry's Planning Round 09 funding deliberations. The RAF would like to introduce the R1's successor into service by 2012.
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