One for All or Four for the Fifth: Standardization and the F-16 in Europe

Abstract

In 1975 Holland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark agreed to combine to manufacture the American F-16 fighter aircraft on license. Among other things it was labeled the arms deal of the century, and a milestone along the road to Alliance standardization. It was also regarded as an example of how American industry dominates the European market. There is no simple equation by which the decision can be evaluated. This article tries to analyze why. One conclusion is that it might be said of the arms deal of the century what was once said about the Year of Europe in 1973 - that it was, but not the way it was planned.