With all the announcements in the last 6 months of US troops, planes, ships
visiting and training here and now even possibly a new airbase in the Cocos islands, to me it just seems to be crazy that we buy other than US, off the shelf equipment.
Cocos islands ?
I read somewhere that they are planning to use and expand upon some existing Australian base in the Darwin area ?
Didn't know that the very little and habited cocos islands where also in the planning.
Especially with the history of European countries not willing to supply
spare parts if they don't like the conflict / war you are involved in - or in the case of Libya, to not take part at all.
I'm fairly sure that the US will revert to arms or other embargoes quicker than most European countries if they don't agree with your country's policy.
US State Department - Policy - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
Also I'm a bit baffled by your Libya remark ???
edit ps; Seems you're right about the Cocos plans, didn't know that:
US Eyes Cocos Islands As Spy Base