Diplomatic Scandal with the US Before the Resignation of Britain's Defense Chief: The Times

The former UK Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, sparked a diplomatic dispute with the United States just before his resignation by attempting to cancel a £2.3 billion contract for the supply of 14 American Chinook H-47 helicopters. This was reported by The Sunday Times, citing sources.

According to the agreement, deliveries of the Boeing-made helicopters are set to begin in 2026. The Pentagon stated that the vehicles are necessary for the UK to participate in joint operations with the US and other NATO countries. However, according to sources in the media, in recent weeks, Ben Wallace expressed doubts about the deal, suggesting its cancellation to reduce pressure on the UK’s defense budget.

According to sources from The Times, on August 10, he sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, informing him of London’s plans to review the helicopter purchase contract. In response, US authorities conveyed a message to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak through the British ambassador to the US, Karen Pierce, indicating that halting the agreement would be a “bad idea.” British officials assured their American counterparts that the issue would be resolved once Wallace left office.

Some members of the British government believe that Wallace’s actions are intended to irritate the Americans, particularly because US President Joe Biden has not supported his candidacy for the position of NATO Secretary-General. However, close associates of the minister deny any connection between these events.

Wallace had previously expressed opposition to the costly contract. The UK already possesses 60 American Chinook helicopters, and its fleet of transport aircraft is considered the largest among NATO's European members.

Ben Wallace has served as Secretary of State for Defence since July 2019. He has played a key role in how British authorities responded to the Russian military's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notably, the UK was the first western country to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have a range of over 250 kilometers. Wallace resigned on August 31, 2023.