Britain needs technology pact to buy US fighter

WASHINGTON, Mar 14 (Reuters) Britain's top military purchasing official said today that his country would not be able to buy the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter unless an agreement was reached on technology transfer and information sharing with the United States.

The Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Drayson, told US lawmakers that reaching such agreements was necessary for Britain to maintain control over key military assets and to adjust the fighter to its own needs.

Drayson said he had meetings scheduled with U.S. defense officials this week and was optimistic these issues could be worked out.

Reuters SK VP0203