Speys etc.
Thanks, 'Engines'.
Seems to me there are two sadly conflicting concerns here - in an ideal world, and with a little country like the U.K, one would have hoped they were both playing the same game.
Instead we have 'job creation' - usually leaving our forces with crap kit - or 'wartime desperation' - which it seems one doesn't get time for nowadays.
While the Gripen may not be the absolute bee's knees, I can't help thinking that what with that & the past Viggen & roads / flyover HAS's etc, the Swedish have much to be admired - their ladies aren't the worst I've ever seen either !
The most intelligent British decision I have heard, in military circles, was to incorporate potential for 'export features' such as extra pylons, RWR etc. into the Hawk, when the basic Ministry spec' didn't actually mention them.
Probably with a lot of thanks due to Gordon Hodson, chief designer of course.