Quote:
Originally Posted by Tasman
At this stage Australia's preference is to buy the JSF (F-35) as it is regarded as more versatile and more affordable for its requirement for 100 new fighters for the RAAF. There are, however, influential lobby groups in Australia who are pushing for the F-22 and the Federal Opposition Defence Spokesman has stated a preference for it. The letter to the Australian Defence Minister from the US Deputy Defence Secretary Gordon England stating that the US would not export the F-22 Raptor to Australia came about because the RAAF was looking at contingencies in case the JSF program was delayed. In the event Australia has ordered a small number of FA-18F Super Hornets to bridge any capability gap caused by a delay with the JSF.
If export bans are lifted I think Australia will still opt for the JSF as the backbone of its air combat force but might consider buying a small number of F-22s (say 25) as the top end of a two tier force. It is, however, a big 'might!'
Cheers
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I'd be willing to live with that, although I still consider the F-22 to be expensive overkill that'd only drag money out of other areas that need just as much attention. Simply put, there are no rivals to the RAAF in our region. Period. There aren't going to be for another 25 years.
If it were up to me I'd just buy 200 Super Hornets of different makes (F/A-18E and F, Growlers etc.) and spend the rest on the Army, Sealift airlift, which are our real problems.