They are are the equivalent of Airbus - a national champion for both commercial and military contracting.
Imagine the US military going to another country hat-in-hand to buy aircraft.
That's why.
Imagine the US military going to another country hat-in-hand to buy aircraft.
That's why.
You mean like with the Harrier or Eurocopter? Or more like the KC-30 where Boeing protested until Airbus dropped out?