Quote:
Originally Posted by scorpio_rocks
Quote:
Originally Posted by IronDuke99
The most likely nation to have top level US kit with all bells and whistles is UK (and sometimes Israel)?
I know there are a lot of backroom negotiations going on regarding F35 and core computer codes, between the US (and Lockheed Martin) and the UK.
UK being the only first tier partner in the aircraft understandably want the full code for modification and service reasons. The USA (actually mainly LM) are reluctant to pass it along for reasons that seem far more related to potential profit than security.
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Seems a bit galling when they have allowed Israel access to the code and helped IAI and Elbit to develop Israel's own electronic warfare, missile guidance systems and helmet mounted displays for the F-35I. |
Israel has a strong political lobby in the US that the UK, and other nations, lack.
On the F35 I suspect UK will get most, at least, of what it wants, if only because the two large new UK carriers, that depend on F35, are going to be important assets in a world with constrained numbers of US Carriers and an expansionist China set on getting a blue water navy and becoming a important carrier player.