Made in the USA

The British defence review this week had a very “Made in the USA” feeling. Much of the equipment which was ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron is produced on the other side of the pond - from the new maritime patrol aircraft (made by Boeing) to the F35 fighter aircraft made by (Lockheed Martin). Even the new armoured vehicles which are being bought for the British Army are made by General Dynamics. The equipment orders could be said to be a slap in the face for European defence contractors but at the same time it can also be argued that the equipment which is being bought is first class and highly capable. British defence contractors will be involved but will have a secondary role. Britain was offered European alternatives for the patrol aircraft contract and in some cases they were a cheaper option. But the Ministry of Defence went with the USA. Britain tried to develop a new maritime patrol aircraft but it was cancelled because it went over budget in the last spending review. British defence contractors did bid for the contract to supply the army with a range of new armoured vehicles but lost out to their bigger US rivals. The Royal Air Force´s fleet of aircraft is now very much “Made in the USA”. There are a few European types but not many. The Ministry of Defence continues to back the European-produced Eurofighter Typhoon, but some say that it is inferior to many of the US-made aircraft. Made in the USA seems best!