Thursday, May 2, 2013

Australian Defence still wants Brewster Buffalo II

White paper LOL:

Canberra's future frontline air fleet would have up to 100 F-35s and 36 Super Hornets, counting the radar-jamming Growlers, and make Australia's air force one of the region's most potent.


13 comments:

Fueldrum said...

"Government remains committed to acquiring the fifth-generation F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, with three operational squadrons planned to enter service beginning around 2020 to replace the F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft."

That is, they don't necessarily want the Joint Strike Failure at all. By delaying the entry into service until "beginning around 2020," the Government is clearly no longer willing to assume that the salesman's pledge is correct. Clearly they now want to see a working aircraft that can compete with hostile regional aircraft. Otherwise they'd still be talking about introducing the Joint Strike Failure in the first half of this decade (which was supposed to be the advantage of joining the program so early)

The salesman has at last lost the blind faith of the customer.

Anonymous said...

"The salesman has at last lost the blind faith of the customer."

uh ok, Then why are they buying it?



Anonymous said...

However the F18 Classic will have zero hours left about two years before?

Unknown said...

I just heard the the AU opposition have promised a new white paper if elected......suspect the option of purchasing subs offshore will be back on the cards. Don't know what it will mean for the F35. ?

Anonymous said...

The opposition will support the F-35.

Unknown said...

Hardly comforting since all of Johnston's statements on the topic are LM talking points and rent-seeking.

Anonymous said...

What exactly do you mean by "rent-seeking"?

Unknown said...

Have you read Greg Sheridans article in the Australian? He suggests that the F35 is going to be the USs main plane for airforce navy and marines... and if AU (and othes) reduce volume it drives up overall cost ...and US won't want partners those whom do so...

Several other statements that I am sure will raise a few eyebrows of contributors tothis site.... :)

Unknown said...

On most Defence topics, Greg Sheridan is about as bright as a new-born chimp.

Anonymous said...

Sheridan,(recently) like Johnston had an all expenses paid trip to LM.

Unknown said...

Well you are right...plenty of monkeys swinging around and scratching their.......

Does anyone think that this plan will come to fruition? Apart from the fact that AU has a budget and cash flow deficit that puts Enron to shame?

Blacktail said...

I might turn out even worse, if the ADF decides to make a few local alterations to the F-35A design once they have them; a decision that will no doubt Boomerang back at them.

(Get the hint?)

Anonymous said...

The Wirraway,where is it when you need it?