The partner nations also agreed to increase to six the number of space station crew members in 2009.

Then the partner nations placed a large production order for 366 helicopters in June 2000.

The gap between Britain and its 14 partner nations is now wide.

The initial plan was that the nine major partner nations would acquire over 3,100 F-35s through 2035.

Ability to share future systems information amongst partner nations allows for better forward planning.

The production aircraft are now operational with the partner nation's air forces.

Unit members will be thought in foreign languages and sent abroad to train together with partner nations.

And where would this leave the other partner nations of the UK?

The partner nations would supply the remaining $7 billion.

The percentage share of the programme allocated to each partner nation has changed several times over the years.