Originally Posted by
Heathrow Harry
Well they probably don't expect to use them in action against serious opposition
Right now the main threat is probably Saudi Arabia and if they come calling it'll be ground forces in very large numbers - air superiority is useless if you've only got around 13000 troops
It's really buying political influence.
And they can afford to junk them in 10 years anyway
As I've said before, if it's all about political influence and keeping friends sweet, buy something that you need, like some tanks or a ship or two.