Agree with you it is not as simple as said.
But the TOT is there to make it simple.
The 2 links below show how it all went to make sure USA influence is minimum.
Italian army chief meets COAS
https://dailytimes.com.pk/14962/italian-army-chief-meets-coas/
Chief of Italian Navy calls on COAS
https://nation.com.pk/08-Mar-2018/chief-of-italian-navy-calls-on-coas
Europe was being held back by USA and Russia is gaining ground in influence. That is why EU is defying USA.
This is all discussion I am not confirming any thing here but if the news turns out as it is being reported than it is good news.
@MastanKhan just to make my self more clear I am just making assumption because the price of AW129 is $18million and Pakistani deal seems like $50million so it has to be TOT.
Price refeerance
Unitary Cost: EUR€17 million (USD$18 million)
Also Known As: A129 International and T129 ATAK
Origin: Italy
Corporations: Aselsan, Leonardo Helicopters* and Turkish Aerospace Industries (*) lead contractor
http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/AW129-International_a000410002.aspx