Originally Posted by
Finningley Boy
If I recall correctly, the French objections at the time were the priority of Germany, UK and Italy for primarily an Interceptor. The French wanted to place emphasis on a Ground Attack aircraft. As things now stand, both airframes can do anything well enough, a bit like the latest Block F-16s.
FB
Strange priority (of UK) since I understand it (ie AST 403) was originally conceived as replacement for the Harrier and Jaguar. As explained to me (at Staff College) RAF philosophy was that a good fighter (aka interceptor) would be a better basis for a ground attack aircraft than would a ground attack aircraft for an interceptor.
Batco