Today's meeting effectively gives the green light for production of the Euro fighter, but the much-delayed project has been controversial almost from the start, with its critics insisting that a plane designed to operate against the most modern Soviet aircraft is just too advanced now that the Cold War is over. This debate has been strongest in Britain and Germany, but Britain's new Labour government has strongly backed Euro fighter, despite a wide-ranging defence review.

And Germany, which for a time looked as though it might pull out of the project altogether, has now fallen into line with its three other partners. The first aircraft will enter service with Britain's Royal Air Force in 2002.

Britain is taking by far the largest share of the 620 production aircraft -- 232, while Germany has reduced its order to 180. Critics say it would be better in the long-run for the Europeans to buy a mix of United States' aircraft, but its supporters have insisted that the programme is vital to keep Europe's aviation industry in the advanced combat aircraft business.

Many thousands of jobs were at stake and at the end of the day, it is industrial factors that have probably influenced the politicians just as much as military considerations. Euro fighters real test will come in the battle for exports.