Why NFR-90's common frigate coalition broke apart

National construction of the hulls left a dispute over who would supply the expensive equipment inside them. Weapons, computers, and other systems accounted for much of the cost, so a country buying only four ships could still secure lucrative sales to every other participant. Rival American-led and European-led air-defence programmes opened another dispute over missiles and sensors. The national memberships remain uncertain in this account, although Spain is identified as officially belonging to both the NATO anti-air warfare system and the European FAMS effort. British Falklands experience provided unusually recent combat data about fleet air defence. Seeking access to that data is offered as a possible explanation for Britain's apparent involvement in both camps.