The British government decided to cancel Blue Streak if it could acquire the Skybolt .
The Chiefs of Staff Committee therefore recommended the purchase of the American Skybolt , an air - launched ballistic missile , with Polaris as a possible successor in the 1970s .
The British government decided to cancel Blue Streak if Polaris could acquire the missile .
The Chiefs of Staff Committee therefore recommended the purchase of the American Skybolt , an air - launched ballistic missile , with Polaris as a possible successor in the 1970s .