Non-Subscriber Extract
US GAO finds F-14 Tomcat components available on Internet auction websites
By Guy Anderson
14 April 2008
F-14 Tomcat interceptor aircraft antenna, military specification night-vision goggles and body armour were among the "sensitive and stolen defence related items" that the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) found for sale on internet trading sites such as Ebay and Craigslist.
The results of the government watchdog's research - during which staff made undercover purchases - were published on 10 April. The study was carried out on the grounds that "unauthorised individuals, companies, terrorist organisations, and other countries continue their attempts to obtain sensitive items related to the defence of the United States".
In addition to two sales relating to F-14 components, the study found antennas compatible with Blackhawk, Apache and Chinook helicopters offered for sale, in addition to infrared identification tabs that "enemies could use... to pose as a friendly fighter during night combat", the GAO said. Nuclear, biological and chemical gear was also found, in addition to small arms protective inserts and Kevlar helmets.
The GAO concluded that: "A review of policies and procedures for these websites determined that there are few safeguards to prevent the sale of sensitive and stolen defence-related items."
It was noted by the GAO that components relating to the F-14 are "in demand by Iran: the only country with operating F-14s". The F-14 antenna was purchased by GAO investigators on 10 October 2007 from a civilian trader in the Loveland, Colorado, area of the US.
Image: F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft assigned to the "Grim Reapers" of Fighter Squadron One Zero One (VF-101). (US Navy)