[KolmogorovComp]

> French is upset that EU countries are ordering this instead of an EU made plane.

Military contracts are a lot more complicated than a mere comparison between technical specs. For example: - Interop with the rest of the equipments

- Training costs for the pilots/mechanics

- NATO interop

- Will buying F35 lead to a better deal for another XYZ equipment?

- Will buying F35 lead to a better political deal on XYZ non-defense-related topic?

- Will buying F35 lead to technology transfer? Jobs created because (partly) manufactured on their country?

- Will buying F35 makes their country army more/less independent of external supplies/intelligence?

The main reason western countries are buying F35, regardless of its pro/cons is that it is manufactured by the US, a superpower with currently the biggest army in the world (in terms of budget).

Put in another way, even if China suddenly made F35 clones for a cheaper price, the EU countries would no buy them.

[fgoesbrrr]

Poland is buying South Korea tanks and artillery. It's also buying US tanks indeed, but your theory seems to imply that it shouldn't buy SK at all.

[mopsi]

The large Polish purchase from SK confirms what he said. For example, out of 1000 tanks bought from SK, only 180 will be manufactured in SK. The remaining 820 will be produced in Poland.

This also sways other countries in the region towards buying from SK, because Poland will become a very close and convenient support center. Poland will get extra business from nearby countries (lowering unit cost), and nearby countries will obtain superior support.

[genman]

Poland buys tanks from South Korea because the answer to these questions above is mostly no.

[LargoLasskhyfv]

Where money is an object, sometimes the swedish Gripen is checked.