UK and the F-35?

First off let me say sorry if this has been brought up before, but im just curious. I read in the newspaper a few months ago that the UK contributed billions, to help America develop the F-35, and the deal was America would give us the blueprints once complete so we could make the jet. However when the money had been handed over and it was time for America to give us the plans, they refused to and never returned the money.
I just wundered if anyone knew of any recent news on this matter as i have not heard or seen anything on it in the British media since.

Thnakyou.

It isn't quite like that. There was never any question of them giving us the blueprints to build our own. BAE has a 20% stake in the F-35 and manufactures that proportion of *every* F-35.

The problem was about the US releasing the necessary software codes that would give the UK total operational sovereignty over the aircraft in UK service, without which a UK purchase of the Lightning would be a nonsense. This did not affect the UK's industrial share of the programme however, it was only a barrier to UK service.

The issue has reportedly been resolved now anyway so, although there has not yet been a UK order placed for it, it should only be a matter of time.

I see. Nice to hear, i'd love to see us Brits using that jet someday its awesome. Just goes to show how misinforming the daily mail can be!

Originally posted by loz
First off let me say sorry if this has been brought up before, but im just curious. I read in the newspaper a few months ago that the UK contributed billions, to help America develop the F-35, and the deal was America would give us the blueprints once complete so we could make the jet. However when the money had been handed over and it was time for America to give us the plans, they refused to and never returned the money.
I just wundered if anyone knew of any recent news on this matter as i have not heard or seen anything on it in the British media since.

Thnakyou.

that could turn into war the info i have says northro grumman assisted