While the design would have met the Air Staff's requirements, the UK air industry had reservations, as it appeared to be very similar to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, which was then well advanced in its development.
Aínda que o deseño debería ter cumprido os requirimentos, a industria británica tiña reservas, xa que asemellábase moito ao McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, que nese momento estaba nunha etapa avanzada de desenvolvemento.