This kind of briefing is special - there are a handful of civilians with the knowledge and connections that can provide this level of insight. Michel Merluzeau, managing partner at G2 Solutions is one of those handful. He provides a quick rundown (24 minutes worth) of the various fighter procurement programs around the world. These programs are hugely risky for the few players left in the business. Fighters are now so expensive that decisions made with each procurement spell disaster for the losers. Never have the stakes been higher for firms that build and sell fighters.

Even if the loser builds a great plane, the possibility of leaving the industry is very likely. Once out of the industry, it will be almost impossible to get back in because the barriers to entry are now so high. For example, if Gripen loses any more competitions, SAAB may be out of the business. Similarly, the Typhoon/Eurofighter's future looks bleak. The risk on the table for the vendors is very high.