Ah, but who mentioned UKADGE?
Had more in mind in the Norwegian Sea well north of UKADGE. Remember the E3 was around in the 70s. Again a long range AAM would have made a big difference. True the BVR issue but could not be too many friendly 4-ships heading south over the ocean.
Taking the Vulcan argument, we thought the same of the Canberra in the 60s. First rate airframe practically undeveloped whereas the USAF was doing route and branch updates on a whole variety of aircraft. We looked with envy as they went from B52C all the way to the G and the H.
Unfortunately, or not, our money went to Polaris and retained only a moderate pitchfork against the US triad.