Technical versus Cheap?

Hi,

I’ve been reading about Russian and German tanks during WW2 (bare with me, off topic but relevant) and the advantage of simple, cheap over complex and expensive.

In terms of modern military aviation we are looking at extremely expensive highly technical and complex aircraft. Has anyone done a study of cheaper and less technical aircraft in a war situation and their effectiveness on the battle field. It may at first seem like having the ‘bees knees’ of aviation is a war winner however in a war of attrition isn’t their a case for something simpler and cheaper to produce?

If we take the war in Afganistan as an example the Harrier has been providing exemplarary duty to the troops. So why are we looking at more expensive types over potentially cheaper alternatives?

Happy New Year,

H.