Britain and the Political Economy of European Military Aerospace Collaboration, 1960-2023

The UK has collaborated with European partners in the design, development, and production of advanced combat aircraft for over 50 years, driven by rising costs and limited domestic markets. This collaboration has evolved, leading to transnational companies and a strong presence in the US defense market.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The UK has been a longstanding partner in the design, development, and production of advanced combat aircraft with international, primarily European partners. This collaboration has been driven by a combination of rising costs and limited domestic markets, making it a highly political endeavor involving national, industrial, and technological interests. Over the years, the nature of collaboration has evolved, leading to the formation of transnational companies in some cases.

The UK has played a pioneering role in globalizing the defense industry, establishing a significant presence in the US defense market and collaborating with American companies on key military aerospace programs. This has resulted in divisions within the European military aerospace industry, which are expected to continue into the next generation of combat aircraft.

The UK's collaboration with international partners has been crucial in developing cutting-edge aircraft technologies. For instance, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a joint venture between the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belgium, combining the expertise and resources of these countries to produce one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

However, the collaboration has also faced challenges. One of the main issues is the competition between European countries for defense contracts. This has led to tensions and disagreements, particularly over the allocation of resources and the development of new technologies.

Another challenge is the changing nature of warfare and the demand for more versatile and adaptable combat aircraft. As technology advances, countries are looking for aircraft that can perform a wide range of missions, from air-to-air combat to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). This has led to the development of new aircraft programs, such as the Boeing F-35 Lightning II, which is designed to be a versatile and capable fighter jet that can be used by multiple military forces around the world.

Despite these challenges, the UK's collaboration with international partners in the defense industry is likely to continue to be a key aspect of its military strategy in the future. The country's strong industrial base, advanced technology, and expertise in military aerospace make it an attractive partner for countries seeking to develop and procure advanced combat aircraft.

In conclusion, the UK's collaboration with international partners in the design, development, and production of advanced combat aircraft has been a long and complex process driven by a combination of economic, political, and technological factors. While the collaboration has faced challenges, it has also been a key driver of innovation and progress in the defense industry, and is likely to continue to be so in the future.

ISBN-13: 9781009291859