I read the article too. Quite a concern if a directive from the Brass. A pretty clear JSF agenda.
I would have liked them to address serious alternatives too: a hi-hi mixed fleet of 5th generation aircraft. F22's to replace F111 in a strategic deterrent role, Hornets soldier on in reduced numbers until F35 replaces them.
Also, how can the RAAF maintain and crew a 100 aircraft fleet of 5th generation fighters? We will need more pilots than we have now.
Will having such a large fleet of fighters, without an adequete number of tankers, create an 'airborne Maginot Line'?
If the RAAF deems it neccessary to have a 100 fleet of JSF's in a decade to meet emerging threats, how will a fleet of under 40 Hornets be satisfactory for the next ten years?
20 F22's now. 50 F35's when the aircraft ready. No lapse in capability, deterrence from conventional threats for the forseable future, solid alliance committment and capability, and in numbers the RAAF can crew