Australia Investigates Alternative to F-35
TheAge.co.au: Govt wants alternative to F-35 fighter
The federal government has ordered a new proposal for a "well-developed alternative" to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) amid concerns the $15 billion project can't be delivered as promised.
Fairfax newspapers report that Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said he wanted a back-up to the warplane. "We don't have to finally commit to the Joint Strike Force (Force) by 2008 but I want to make sure we have a well-developed alternative well in advance of that," he was quoted as saying.
Dr Nelson would not move the project to cabinet until alternatives were analysed and at least one selected, the papers said, although he would not identify any alternatives. He was impressed by the fighter's potential and believed, if delivered on time and for the promised price, it would be the "correct aircraft for us".
The JSF is in development but concerns have been expressed that its cost may rise too high and delivery time fall back years. The fighter was not only the most expensive Defence project ever, it was the biggest investment by the commonwealth since Federation, the papers said.