In light of the "AUKUS" agreement, does it make sense for the US to buy the Australian Loyal Wingman (Brits too)?

 

Following deepening cooperation under the #AUKUS pact, #Boeing announces that it will manufacture Loyal Wingman drones in the city of Toowoomba, #Australia. https://t.co/oEqsCPUhFS pic.twitter.com/Yf2oAW2ieO

— DefenceHub (@defencehublive) September 23, 2021

The headline is worthy of discussion, but there is another factor too. The Aussies will have a bird ready SOON. While it might not be all things (we'll definitely have to Americanize it) we want we can fix it and have it in hand...instead of waiting on development programs to have one ready in 10 to 15 years. IF THE USMC is serious about remaking Marine Air then it should slice the number of F-35s it buys (both B & C) and buy the Navy refueler along with the Loyal Wingman.