Sea king replacement 'brings danger'

The UK's helicopter Search and Rescue operations are being taken over by a US firm.

The Sea King helicopters of the RAF and Royal Navy are being replaced by private American helicopters in a 10-year deal worth £1.6bn.

It will end 70 years of military involvement - which most recently has seen the Duke of Cambridge at the controls.

Howard Wheeldon, an independent defence and aerospace industry analyst, told Today business presenter Simon Jack that he was opposed to the deal.

He warned that the move "could bring about a lot of dangers... a lot of people's lives are at risk here."

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 26 March 2013.