Australian defence minister delays Seasprite decision

Australian defense Minister Brendan Nelson has delayed the decision on continuing the Australian $1 billion Seasprite helicopter project. The decision was expected before the end of 2006, but a spokesman for the Defence Minister stated that the Defence Minister is seeking some information before a decision can be made and it is expected that the decision to be made early in 2007. The minister has revised all the three options, continuing with the project until completion, accepting a lesser level of capability or canceling the project entirely. The spokesman also stated that Nelson had held meetings with the Australian Defence Material Organization in which Nelson had asked for more work to be done on the project. Australia, earlier in 2006, grounded its Seasprite naval helicopters over concerns that they were unsafe to fly over water in poor visibility conditions, such as fog, mist or at night.