On a side note, is there any real reason (aside from pi**ing off Uncle Sam) that Aus hasn't considered any of the new Sukkhois themselves... the SU34 is one mean looking aircraft...
From what I hear they are quite a capable aircraft, I believe the yanks sent some F15's against the (was it the indian airforces SU's?) a while back as part of a war game and the aircraft were quite equally matched.
However it goes back to the argument of having an integrated defence system, and when you want to integrate with your allies you use a common network infrastructure
Another argument could be if your opponents use the same platform as you, then they will be a lot more aware of your capabilities, limitations (read: weaknesses) as opposed to gear they cannot get their hands on.
[SIDE NOTE: Interestingly this was my 111th post
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