Defence

Eurofighter has expressed surprise over criticism levelled at the four-nation consortium last week by UK defence procurement minister Lord Drayson.

Drayson told the UK Financial Times that Eurofighter "needed reform" to speed up negotiations with partners over upgrades for the Typhoon. Head of UK Ministry of Defence procurement Sir Peter Spencer meanwhile blamed a year's delay in developing the Meteor missile on Eurofighter's refusal to provide test aircraft at an affordable price.

Eurofighter says it has "submitted a number of proposals to the customer" on Meteor, while industry has "concluded a review" of the consortium's structure and will "implement revisions next year".