Not everything is an argument over why didnt/ what if? My comment was with respect to Israeli tech.
However your post has highlighted a larger question.
Firstly, the general model followed the world over is that armed forces formulate the requirements, and then handhold private/ govt entities as they develop the tech. IAF has been doing that since forever. Pretty much all aeronautical testing crew is IAF trained. ASTE exists just for this.
I mentioned Litening. Who do you think integrated that pod in double quick time, using Indian jugaad?
Now, I think you may be referring to original equipment design. Well, firstly, even in ship design, core systems came from foreign sources. Engines, weapons etc. Of late, sensors and fire control systems have become increasingly Indian. DRDO, not Navy has indigenised them (sensors that is). Of course Navy has supported. Like IAF has supported aeronautical R&D.
This is not to diminish Navy's role. It was great. But there is a huge difference in complexity between hull and airframe design. For obvious reasons. Many countries around the world make their own ships. But far fewer make fighter aircraft. IN too, does a great job with warships, but goes for imports for LRMP, Drones, fighters, heptrs.
Secondly, the US model is one which leverages far deeper industrial and tech base, and private enterprise to do the job. They do a great job of conceptualising and handholding of course.
But the US is at a different level. Far greater freedom to military including budgetary discretion, far less bureaucratic control, Greater direct accountability, and the top private industrial/tech sector.
We see attempts being made in India. The Mehar Baba competition was the first serious attempt to develop CURRENT tech (not products) harnessing private enterprise.
I cannot and will not defend services in all R&D cases. Yes, they could have done better. Even today they can do better.
But, the simplified notion that is prevalent, that services (especially Army and IAF) want only to import, is plain wrong.
And coming back to Israeli tech. It has served us very well.