The rank and file in the MOD are quite happy to buy foreign if it means the best deal for the taxpayer and for the squaddie on the ground.

It's government that puts the kibosh on these deals (Pirrahna V and intellectual property rights anyone?) and then gives the deal to a company that will manufacture it in a marginal constituency.

It is also the same for PFI deals, St Athan for instance.

It's only through the UOR route that capable equipment such as MASTIFF/RIDGBACK/WARTHOG gets to the frontline in good time.