Deal close for Australia to sell 6 C-130H aircraft to Indonesia

Via Australian Aviation:

In addition to the 4 gifted former RAAF C-130H's to Indonesia, Australia is close to a deal to sell 6 for $15M each.

Update on wasteful C-130 resourcing by Defence

Yet another company that can refurb C-130s.

Many C-130s around the world can have their service life extended by having the Center Wing Box replaced. As the main load-bearing component of the C-130’s airframe, it is this structure that usually determines the overall operational life of the aircraft.

Something to think about (again) as Australia wastes taxpayer dollars by retiring C-130H aircraft and even giving some of them to Indonesia.

Indonesia has enough funds to maintain airlift/utility aircraft. They even ordered some new light attack trainers the other day.

Unknown what Australian and Indonesian security agreements will produce

A real security concern for Australia is to stop illegal immigration. While a previous PM John Howard may have been many things, at least his boat policy was better.

As for the neighbor to the North, it seems Australia will give Indonesia 4 used C-130 cargo aircraft and the U.S. will sell them 24 used F-16s.

And here is a smart play. Australia will hand over $112M to Indonesian farmers. Gee, that is what we really need in the region: help the most populous and impoverished country get even bigger. Real smart.

Gillard says the basing of 2500 U.S. Marines in Australia is not pointed at any specific nation.

Ms Gillard then told Dr Yudhoyono - known by his initials SBY - that the US and Australian forces could train with Indonesian military personnel to improve disaster management.

''After Ms Gillard's explanation, SBY was very happy. SBY suggested that the military training involved all ASEAN members, and that she should also invite China,'' said presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha.

Involving China would improve trust with the US, particularly given tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. It would also increase stability and provide a security environment conducive to economic growth, the Indonesian leader said, according to accounts given to The Age.

Yes. Because China has been so peaceful about their intentions in the South China Sea.

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