On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 23:12:29 +0100, Keith Willshaw wrote:

"phil hunt" wrote in message
. ..
On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 23:51:38 GMT, Pete
wrote:

"phil hunt" wrote


If Sweden (population 9 million) can design and build a modern
fighter, I'm sure Britain (population 60 million) could.

They can design it. Could they (would they) pay for it on their own?

Britain spends a good deal more on its armed forces than Sweden
does.

In comparative terms there's not that much difference

Sweden spends 2.1 % of GDP on its military while
the UK spends 2.4%

The UK has about 7 times as many people. Assuming GDP per head is
roughly the same in both countries, it's clear the UK spends a lot
more.

Even if you factor in that Britain spends 1/3 on each of its three
services, whereas Sweden spends half on its army and navy (probably
not the exact proportions, but you get the idea) then UK airforce
spending is a lot greater than Swedish.

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