"I understand that the Australians, already getting Super Hornets, as an intended interim, are looking at making it the chosen one for the long term!"
Do we have much choice if we don't want a capability gap ?
We also have a minister ATM that is prepared to ask some hard questions and make decisions, not that everyone agrees. Being "in favour" with the US at the moment and with our dollar good as well doesn't do any harm either.