interesting really, the Kiwis,Gypos and Poles are very happy with their Seasprites. Hang on they bought the off the shelf model with the latest proven gear. Have you noticed that nearly all Oz defence programs work when we don't f$#k with the spec...
C-17
C-130 [all models]
BBJ
F-18F
M-1 tank
Mirage 111
F-111 [until we messed with a few things but overall good]
F/A-18A/B
Hawk
Macchi 326
CH-47C/D
UH-1
Caribou
plus a few more..
look at the track record of home grown specs..
Sabre [great machine but it was obsolete when delivered]
Collins sub
Jindalee
FFG update
Wamira
Seasprite
Wedgetail E-737 [years late and who knows if it will really perform]
the jury is out on Tiger ARH and MRH-90..
a small country like this buying small numbers of everything needs to buy off the shelf..