Alex Clarke alleges that an agreement to provide F-35 integration information for the Meteor air-to-air missile was reversed. He links that alleged reversal to the emergence of an American long-range missile and suggests that domestic industrial competition influenced the decision. Britain has also abandoned commitments when national interests changed. A smaller partner generally gains more from cooperation with a larger power and has less freedom to withdraw from an agreement. A relationship can remain close and mutually beneficial while its partners weigh individual commitments against their own interests.
Notable Point · 8:17-10:45
Meteor, F-35 integration, and alliance asymmetry
An alleged reversal over Meteor integration with the F-35 raises questions about industrial rivalry and unequal bargaining power between allies.