The proposed NFR-90 fleet totalled 52 ships: twelve for Britain, eighteen for the United States, four each for France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Canada, and probably two for the Netherlands. Britain and America therefore expected substantial influence over a programme in which they would buy about 60 percent of the ships. France, Italy, and Britain formally withdrew in September 1989 while American participation was already receding. Britain faced another $82 million project-definition stage after years of discussion without an agreed ship. The projected unit price was about £17 million above a contemporary Type 23 costing roughly £150 million. Britain then ordered three more Type 23 frigates.
Notable Point · 5:04-7:21
NFR-90's order book could not overcome cost and delay
Britain and America expected to buy most of NFR-90's 52 ships, yet further development costs and approaching replacement deadlines helped break the coalition.