<p><br /> Deep cuts to the defence budget will see the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier and its fleet of Harrier jets scrapped "with immediate effect", according to Government sources.<br /> </p><p><br /> The move is among wide-ranging measures to be unveiled by Prime Minister David Cameron as part of the military's share of the Coalition's severe public spending squeeze.<br /> </p><p><br /> He is also expected to confirm that the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) has concluded that the renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent will be delayed.<br /> </p><p><br /> The immediate axing of HMS Ark Royal will leave the UK without an aircraft carrier capable of flying jets for around a decade while two new vessels are built at a cost of £5.2 billion.<br /> </p><p><br /> That project was spared the axe after it was found abandoning the contract - with one of the two already under construction - would end up costing the taxpayer more.<br /> </p><p><br /> Although the first is set to come into service in 2016, converting it to allow it to be used by jets from allied nations could take several years.<br /> </p><p><br /> Defence Secretary Liam Fox has insisted the long gap in Britain's aircraft carrier capability will not affect its defence abilities - despite warnings from former Navy chiefs.<br /> </p><p><br /> But Mr Cameron was reported to have told the Cabinet it was one of the hardest decisions he had faced since becoming Prime Minister.<br /> </p><p><br /> Under the SDSR, all three services face manpower cuts, the Army is expected to lose large numbers of tanks and the RAF to see bases closed and fighter jets axed.<br /> </p>
