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Hey here is a novel idea for you Jan...
You don't like it, build your own military hardware. No one forces anyone to buy anything.
"...Maybe opposed is a little strong Sweden is Neutral and likes to preserve some independence while France likes to be free to operate in its own way and keep an independent air industry."
In other words Allies in smooth air.
"...JASDF examiners wanted to compare the F-35 with the Eurofighter in actual flights before their conclusion but the airframe was not available. Yes, it was genuinely political decision to order."
Off-sets for building military AC are alway a political decision, Shin. Would there have been vacant procurement slots for Japan in the Eurofighter program ...? Somehow I doubt it.
"...Just how many F-35(-22) would they be able to swindle, dump, unload ( ), on to customers, if it wasn't for NATO?
How many actually buy these, or any of these, just because of that?"
I am not sure what point you are trying to make with this post, Lucky. NATO has a history of using US-developed and member licence-built aircraft ... are you suggesting that policy has failed NATO or impaired its effectiveness in any way? Sweden being a non-NATO country I don't find any surprise in the absence of Swedish platforms in NATO inventories.
Well neutral is neutral, not an ally at any time but not an enemy either. I have a lot of respect for Swedens attitude Neutral but not defenceless, their AC may not be world beaters but they can still make good planes attractive to countries with a small budget.. French policy is understood only by the French but to be fair the make their own nuclear deterrent their own AC and ships, being in the west doesnt mean you must agree with every decision the US president makes and they pay to be detached.
Compare to Belgiums neutrality who sell the UK guns but refuse to supply ammunition when they dont like who we are in conflict with and sit in the middle of europe cosy under an umbrella provided by others.
"...The only ones that arent are those philosophically and doctrinally opposed to the west ..."
Sweden? France?
I think, it feels like, people here is taking the criticism of the F-35 as personal, it certainly looks like it...
I know that the Gripen is a great aircraft, it's not the best and it's not the worst....the same goes for the F-35, it's not the best, but it's not worst either, far from it....
Ive over-stepped again. I have no wish to offend anyone, or politicise this thread, so I offer apologies and stand back from this conversation for a while. Suffice it to say I have strong views on the notion of "neutrality" or "nonalignment"
Lockheed had a good one in Kelly Johnson...but then again, he was Swedish (oh come on, you've got to let me have this one!)....