Originally Posted by
ORAC
But as a cheaper option than Dearnaught - albeit on the basis of giving up a permanent on-station deterrent. That would also free up the Barrow line for AUKUS subs… 😇😇😇 😎
I'm told that @ChiefofAirStaff has been briefed that B-21 will be black box free, no "kill switches", nothing like...err...the F-35. However, before anyone starts to get their respective undercrackers in a twist, can we consider a few germane points?
There was "clearly a message" in the RAAF and RAF chiefs being present at B-21 unveiling says @ChiefofAirStaff, he suggests the aircraft will bring a "formidable warfighting capability." UK and Australia is closely engaged with the #Raider's development, he adds.…
I was at the event- and I have to say that either I missed something (along with several others) or Francis Tusa has read too much into a comment; I didn't see him there, so he may have missed some of the atmospherics from watching online, but there wasn't a sense amongst the majority of the in-person audience that the notion that the RAF is eagerly seeking to hitch a ride on the B-21 programme; the answer given was to the effect of 'The message is that the USAF values the partnerships it enjoys with the RAF and RAAF' not 'we want to buy a new bomber'.