World Affairs Board - View Single Post - Japan Lobbying for F-22 Buy

JBG · 04-30-2007, 05:56 AM

Tasman, when the England letter etc came out what was not said was that we had never requested that the FMS ( foreign military sales ) process with regard to sensitive technology was initiated. So there really was no refusal by the US, per se. That is one of the things that irks me about the super hornet buy - the aircraft does not bridge the capability gap which is all about the F-111 rather than the F-18.

Spoonman, we do not have 25 years. We have been safe and warm etc because our aircraft had grossly superior capabilities. Our Mirage 111s were the best in the region when in service. The Canbera's were the best by far in service in the region in their time. Now some of our neighbours have F-18s of their own, Su-30 series aircraft etc. The us then daylight gap does not apply to anywhere near the same extent as it used to. Besides which, without F-111s, how are we going to put the fear of god into the Indonesians next time we want to play about in East Timor, or Balli, or Iryan Jaya with only shor range F-18 series aircraft?

Sheesh, we are replacing a good strike bomber and a good fighter bomber with a fighter bomber alone? No sale here at this time but I am keen to hear your take on the situation.

Jonathan

04-30-2007, 05:56 AM	#18 (permalink)
JBG Regular Join Date: 09-10-06 Location: Sydney Posts: 138	Tasman, when the England letter etc came out what was not said was that we had never requested that the FMS ( foreign military sales ) process with regard to sensitive technology was initiated. So there really was no refusal by the US, per se. That is one of the things that irks me about the super hornet buy - the aircraft does not bridge the capability gap which is all about the F-111 rather than the F-18. Spoonman, we do not have 25 years. We have been safe and warm etc because our aircraft had grossly superior capabilities. Our Mirage 111s were the best in the region when in service. The Canbera's were the best by far in service in the region in their time. Now some of our neighbours have F-18s of their own, Su-30 series aircraft etc. The us then daylight gap does not apply to anywhere near the same extent as it used to. Besides which, without F-111s, how are we going to put the fear of god into the Indonesians next time we want to play about in East Timor, or Balli, or Iryan Jaya with only shor range F-18 series aircraft? Sheesh, we are replacing a good strike bomber and a good fighter bomber with a fighter bomber alone? No sale here at this time but I am keen to hear your take on the situation. Jonathan Last edited by JBG : 04-30-2007 at 06:07 AM.