The United Kingdom (specifically England) and France experienced the longest mutually hostile relationship between two great world powers in human history. There's still an undercurrent of ill feelings. Admiral Nelson was from that era of extreme British/French mutual hostility. I believe that is more what's being stated by people.
As the UK has had a large role to play in the development of the JSF (much as they did with the Harrier) I don't think they're going to view it as "an Amercian bird." They helped created it. On the other hand, the Ratalle is pretty much all French.
It does seem extremely odd to me that there are no 5th generation fighters coming out (that I'm aware of) from anywhere but the USA (and the UK via partnership.) Does anyone know of anything in the works that I've not heard of?
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Its not as bad as you think, its mostly exaggerated. There is a cultural rivalry but I wouldn't call it hostile. Its a bit like the USA and Canada. They agree more than they disagree. Of course there are those on both sides with chips on their shoulders, but by and large its a good relationship.
For those who think there is animosity's should consider the following:
1. There are lots of Brits who live in France (its now extremely popular retirement amongst British retirees) and there are lots of French who go live+work in London.
2. The French and British haven't fought a war against each other for over 200 years. Yet after Napoleon they have fought 5 wars (Crimea, WWI, WWII, Suez and Gulf War) side by side.
For the British Carrier program is case in point. What Enfield failed to mention is that it is a JOINT carrier program with the French. There are 3 ships that are going to be built 2 will go to the RN the 3rd will go to the French. The only real difference is that the British ships will carry the JSF and the French will carry the Rafale. Thats about it. The companies building the ships are BAE (British) Thalyes (French) and EADS (French-German). The Names of the ships are
HMS Queen Victoria, HMS Queen Elisabeth, and the French sister ship most likely be named the
FN Cardinal Richelieu although the final name has yet to be decided right now its code name is PA2. (Porte-Avion #2, Trans. Aircraft carrier number #2)
Lastly the Typhoon and Rafale are considered Generation 4.5. They were designed in the late 1980s but have been upgraded to fit into a gen5 role. So while the F-35 is *slightly* newer the design is only about 5 years newer (which is nothing in aircraft development years).
The F-35, Rafale, a Typhoon, and the Gripen are very similar aircraft. They all have advantages and disadvantages. The Typhoon and Gripen are probabaly better in the AtA whilist the Rafale and F-35 are slightly better in the AtG role.
Finally there is one more Gen5 aircraft, the Russian SU-47 Berkut.