schiller - I agree that any nation should send their men/women to war in the best kit available (please note that it is nothing to do with professional aviator bollox, just best kit for purpose). however, modern procurement policy is not about best kit - it is about meeting defence targets in something that is affordable. If you want the best kit ....give us the cash! if you want the best value for money then F35 will give it to you. If you want to pmp money into british economy give it to BAES for Typhoon.
compromise baby.......