Q&A · 2:09:04-2:09:37

Would wider Sea Eagle use displace Exocet and Harpoon?

The counterfactual retains cost and alliance considerations that favour established French and American missiles.

Question

Would wider Sea Eagle use lead to ship- or submarine-launched versions replacing Exocet and Harpoon?

Short answer

Probably not, because Exocet and Harpoon were already available, avoided new integration costs, and carried alliance-political value.

Notes

Even a larger air-launched Sea Eagle fleet would not necessarily produce ship- or submarine-launched versions. The counterfactual governments are still expected to choose available weapons to limit cost. Missile purchases also express diplomatic relationships: buying French equipment supports ties with France, while American purchases reinforce the US relationship. A larger carrier program therefore does not automatically overturn established missile choices.