Dithering, procrastination, failure to look at reality, thinking that "they" always know best inspite of the evidence has always been the hallmark of the post World War 1 defence planners and procurers...
Wirraways as fighters!
Spitfires in the Pacific as fighters [long legged machines actually needed]
Ignorance of helo capabilities in 1950's not remedied until purchase of some Hueys for SAR in about '62. The carrier Sydney had to "borrow" USN helos for SAR in Korea.
A concept of buying stuff fitted for but not with almost always...
Our fighting Allies in this area will be the USofA so why not tailor all of our core major equipment off the back of their proven product? Commonality should be part of the big picture not the little one.