Tripartite Pact

In a charming echo of history, two right-wing one-party states have formed an axis with the heirs of Mussolini in order to gain air supremacy over the United States. Britain, whose Luftwaffe has suffered severe privations since the country's last major wars of aggression, is collaborating with Italy and Japan to design, develop and deliver a new fighter aircraft, whose target debut date of 2035 indicates that should all go well it may possibly be nearing completion by the centenary of the Tet Offensive. Apparently Britain's favourite Islamic fundamentalists in the head-chopping House of Saud have been solicited for cash; while Britain's own contribution so far has been confined to providing real estate for the company's headquarters. Given the mainland's previous misadventures in the military procurement business, the junior partners doubtless view this with some relief.