It requires Maturity to understand concepts of building complex systems. If your suggestion is followed, then, we will have AMCA 50 YEARS Later.
In complex systems, resusability of existing and borrowed technology is a big thing. No big company works on one product at a time.
I did said, realizing technologies adapted in MK2 [MWF] and Drones.
What you can achieve with MK2 [MWF]?
Sensor fusion, redundant sensor suite, you can have DAS, which was already achievable with MKIs but Murica pulled the plug.
What you can achieve with AURA program?
IWB drop tanks and DSI in drone too. Conformal Antennas, Sensor fusion, super cruise, you can test drone swarm as it's basically pilotless, you can test RAM coating.
Why did Dassault did Neuron First, why USAF chose a B52 or F117 Nighthawk first?
These systems provided the means to realize those electronics onboard, provided redundancy, correcting inefficiencies and the then ATF happened, by todays timeline its 22 years. F22 radar absorbent paint still chips off, so does F35. We gotta long way bro.
Now, 50 years that highly exaggerated, never said that... close to 12 years, if they can produce a FOC within 10 years (highly unlikely as its best case scenario) than sure we can cut some cookie. Somebody mentioned first prototype in 2023, now add +2 years to that because China virus happened.