Why did the Royal Navy choose Sea Viper instead of Standard Missile?
Short answerSea Viper better fit British requirements, added allied diversity, and supported national industry.
NotesAmerican Standard Missile systems are optimised around US Navy methods and requirements. Sea Viper was developed around the Royal Navy's own air-defence needs and operating concepts. A distinct British and European system can complement American ships within an allied force by offering a different set of strengths. The programme also preserves domestic industrial development instead of making an American purchase the automatic answer to every requirement.