Originally Posted by
weemonkey
More to the point how is Germany, in particular, going to be able to afford it?
I mean they can't afford what they have now!!
Quite correct. And supposing they can afford to procure it, they will not be able to afford to operate and logistically support it.
As with Typhoon their primary objective was to gain technology and pretend to buy hundreds to ensure their work split and then reduce their number to a much lower number.
Also as with Typhoon they drive up the cost making exports unaffordable.