While the 35 is 'all singing, all dancing' electronically and all the info fantastic..if the busy brain can take it all in. Having studied the Russian stuff a bit my concerns are...apart from the horrendous cost...
1. An argument for the F18 was that 2 engines are better that one, see Mirage...especially out over the briny.. now we are back to one. Que? One has fallen in the water off Japan...reason ?? Been found yet ?
2 Range. Way out from Oz and the tanker for return fuel isnt there anymore...then what ??
3 Payload and super cruise issues are others.
Recent Defence article in The Oz stated RAAF Drivers were getting their straffing endorsements.!
Seems strange for us not to have a dedicated tank buster eg Thunderbolt 2 specifically designed for same and risk the 35 low down where a soldier with a pocket rocket could deal with it.
Wont be much good if Oz does not have a strategic fuel stockpile either. NO fuel. No fly.