Challenge: Have the Saab 37 Viggen as the West’s main fighter

[Fellatio Nelson]

JA37 would be a bit older and more expensive than the F16 (assuming it's in the same mid-70s competition for new NATO fighter), but would have all-weather capability and long-range missiles (which the F16A lacked). It'd also be a proven design in service, as opposed to a new design yet to enter service with the USAF.

I'd agree that without politicking with the US-made bits and bobs it'd have stood a very good chance - except for a reluctance to rely on Sweden, whose ostensible adherence to strict neutrality saw it place restrictions on Vietnam War combatants, which could be solved if everything required thereafter could be sourced and licensed to be made abroad.

 

[Riain]

Liscence manufacture and spares stockpiles would cover any caprisciouness on Sweedens part. Of course selecting the Viggen would be a massive political statement as well, buying within NATO is important to holding the alliance together. A huge support train would have to be set up leading to Sweeden, rather than the US (for example); how does having pilots train in Sweeden contribute to the closeness of NATO in the way that training in the US does?

 

[Fellatio Nelson]

Liscence manufacture and spares stockpiles would cover any caprisciouness on Sweedens part. Of course selecting the Viggen would be a massive political statement as well, buying within NATO is important to holding the alliance together. A huge support train would have to be set up leading to Sweeden, rather than the US (for example); how does having pilots train in Sweeden contribute to the closeness of NATO in the way that training in the US does?

Given the clout NATO countries could muster, coupled with the money it would generate for SAAB, a complicit Swedish Govt. would snap at the chance to send their pilots abroad as initial trainers (if indeed it was even needed). US airspace is also used by non-US aircraft purchasers; the USAF gains a great deal from it too.

To say nothing of much of the aerospace know-how being transferred, via engineers and consultants, to NATO member countries placing big orders. Look at how the French have orchestrated the Agosta 90 sale to Pakistan (which lacks a lot of infrastructure to produce and train).

 

[Riain]

I don't doubt that it is technially possible, but I think that having Europeans and Americans working together across the entire spectrum of defence increases the power of the alliance. I think that if a lot of that went to Sweeden, a non NATO member, the alliance would be that bit weaker on the personell level. Perhaps Sweeden could join NATO as part of the deal.

 

[Fellatio Nelson]

I don't doubt that it is technially possible, but I think that having Europeans and Americans working together across the entire spectrum of defence increases the power of the alliance. I think that if a lot of that went to Sweeden, a non NATO member, the alliance would be that bit weaker on the personell level. Perhaps Sweeden could join NATO as part of the deal.

Sweden was all-but a NATO ally (considering the co-operation, especially wrt naval matters in the Baltic) and everyone knew which way their guns were facing. I doubt it'd have been in their interests to become a formal member during peacetime, not unless their people changed their minds.

There was already American input into the Viggen, from which they'd benefit, but there was also British input during the upgrades (Skyflash etc., which was an improved Sparrow AAM out a decade earlier than the US equivalent).

If anything, it'd make the Americans become more competitive, rather than assuming NATO partners would either buy their old stock - among the more tinpot members - or subsidise their arms industry in mutually beneficial purchases. (I doubt the US would have opted for Viggen over a domestic product.)

 

[merlin]

Howabout Britain didn't cancel the TSR2, hence no Tornado.
The Lightening last a little longer, but it will need replacing - looking around for a partner (Britain doesn't want to go solo again), BAC talks to Saab.

Result, a British production line with an anglicised version - perhaps a R-R engine.
When the time comes for the smaller European countries of NATO to select a new fighter aircraft, the choice is now wider - not just French or US. Hence the Viggen is chosen as the alternative choice!!

While the Americans are pissed off to say the least at the F-16 not being chosen, for them it was not as bad as the French winning! The British are happy, as are the Swedes - who sell more to some to non-aligned countries.