^^
Jayand, we are not seeking to simply replace a platform with a new one; we are seeking to restore a capability which has been comprehensively removed. In order to do so, we will have to fund a restoration of the establishment of the people, units, and organisations which flew, maintained and supported these beasts. Over time, those costs will vastly outweigh the costs of procuring the platform - it was ever thus as all educated military folk should know.
In other words, if we can find the money to restore the capability, funding the first choice platform (whatever that might be) should be relatively easy.
IMO, we will know the final answer to the bigger question before much longer.