I couldn't agree more but for at least 50 years we've been in that loop.... aided & abetted by the manufacturers.
What were the last major UK weapons that "sold themselves,"??
The Hunter, the early Hawk... Centurion tank, Daring class destroyers come to mind. Since then the kit has become v complex and extremely expensive as we can only afford short runs. When there is a chance to get into a collaborative program we've often either chosen the most expensive option or gone our own way......
Look at the River class..... twice the price of the v similar Amazonas class from the same yard.....