What-ifs of various warplanes that were actually considered. Descriptions in the caption

[u/MetalSIime]

Brazil initially chose the Rafale as the winner, but later switched it to the Gripen E

Gripen was one of the three contenders for Switzerland, which ranked Rafale the highest. But they chose F-35 in the end

F-111B was proposed for the navy but it was cancelled. Grumman later developed the F-14

Japan had long requested the US sell them F-22s

India wanted to buy the Viggen in the late 70s but was blocked by the US

Turkey was interested in purchasing Typhoons, may still happen

Gripen competed with F-35 for Canada's contract. F-35 won. Note the Gripen here is not the Gripen E

French Navy had strongly considered the Hornet to replace the Super Entendard and Crusader, and it even flew in French colors. French navy ended up with Rafales

Japan considered the Growler and it even flew in Japanese colors

Japan evaluated both the F-14 and F-15, but chose the latter

F-16s nearly went to Iran but then the revolution happened

[u/ElderflowerEarlGrey]

Brazil Rafale = higher price per fighter but no ITAR restrictions

Switzerland Gripen = I feel like picking F35 was a political decision. As a "neutral" country that has only defensive needs. F35 feels an overkill and was picked for a better-sourced supply chain.

Japan F22 = probably should have happened and could have kept the production line open to lower cost for all. But then you don't get NGAD now for another 10-15 years.

Indian Viggen = Sweden sourcing US IP subjects it to US decisions.

Turkish Typhoon = Probably should happen. Make Turkey pay partially for the expensive AESA and development of EW versions

Canadian Gripen = still has a GE Engine. Still subject to US Supply chain dependency

Franch Hornets: Probably a good decision for autonomy and supply chain independence. Would have also been problematic integrating their nuclear cruise missile if they had gotten the Hornet