Australia to weigh up its options on F35 fleet

[fishlips]

I heard today that Australia's tentative commitment to purchase 100 F35 Strike Fighters may be wound back to just 14 airframes. This comes about as cost blow outs and ongoing issues with the aircraft continue to plague the program. On top of that, it is surmised the U.S. will also wind back its purchase plans considerably as a result of the economic times. Australia would consider its options in 2012 to purchase another airframe/s to replace its aging fleet of FA/18’s.

[Firebird]

Well I am not surprised. I never for one minute believed that they would buy 100.
They currently have 95 front line combat aircraft and nobody increases their numbers these days.

[fishlips]

Well from what I understand the U.S. is going to be given an area to house F22's in Australia on a permanent basis. Why not, the U.S. already have a large transit fleet down here to re-supply there Naval fleet and to spread there assets around.
The Australian Navy has ordered two amphibious ships equipped with helecopters which also have the potential for vertical take-off jet fighters, presumably 14 F35's. lol
Australia is also buying up a lot of British defence items that are at bargain prices.

[Firebird]

Well from what I understand the U.S. is going to be given an area to house F22's in Australia on a permanent basis. Why not, the U.S. already have a large transit fleet down here to re-supply there Naval fleet and to spread there assets around.
The Australian Navy has ordered two amphibious ships equipped with helecopters which also have the potential for vertical take-off jet fighters, presumably 14 F35's. lol
Australia is also buying up a lot of British defence items that are at bargain prices.

Tiffs?

[VulcanDriver]

I heard that the the UK Harrier fleet have been sold for spares to the USMC, so it wont be those.

[tango234]

All I can think of off the top of my head is that they bought the ex-RFA Largs Bay from the UK. What else is there?