Harrier Two Must Fly (JSF partner gone wobbly PING)

Sky News ^ | SKy

[Axlrose]

We certainly shouldn't trust them with future SLBM programs.

[68skylark]

If the Brits don't want to play along with our rules, then let them continue with their current technology.

Well they're shouldering part of the (massive) development costs, so let's not be too quick to bid "goodbye" to our closest ally on an important project.

This question about computer source code has been going on for awhile -- the last I heard it was on its way to being resolved. Perhaps this reporter is just trying to stir the pot by saying there's a serious controversy when there really isn't -- I could be wrong, but I think newspapers have done this from time to time.

[68skylark]

We certainly shouldn't trust them with future SLBM programs.

What the heck are you talking about? The Brits are a great ally and we're lucky to have them join us on important defense programs -- the world is a better place when the US and UK work together.

[Axlrose]

Is the EU a great ally as well ?

Do you love everyone ?

[68skylark]

Is the EU a great ally as well?

Your snarky comment actually makes a good point. I agree that EU countries other than the UK present a large, obvious security risk. It's my understanding that the security clearance process in the UK can manage this risk (just like we manage the risk in the US with our security process, under which we don't grant access to any non-citizen).

[americanbychoice2]

agree, Today's allies may be tomorrows enemies

[COEXERJ145]

The nuclear warheads on the Trident II's are British made, not American W-88's.

[Doohickey]

True, but not relavant to the point. The job of both the Trident II and the JSF are to deliver ordinance, so the comparison is valid when viewed in that context.

[Arthalion]

what's really disgusting is that the chinese probably already have the secret software.

Are you kidding? There's a good chance that at least part of the code was written in China or by an insourced H1B. Most of these defense contractors have been arguing for years that offshoring weapons development and parts production doesn't risk US security.

Personally, I can't blame the Brits. It would be irresponsible of them to buy a weapons system they cannot service or modify.

[hinckley buzzard]

The issue seems to be security concerns on the part of the US, due primarily not to Britian but to Britain's membership in the EU-- exposing hightech material to persons and governments within the EU who are not as reliable as the UK. You really want the French, and down the road maybe the Turks, to have access to the software that makes this fighter fly? I don't.

[the scotsman]

'The Brits keep forgetting their place in the world'

And you think America will always be number one?.....