Army fast jets??? Would be a world first (I think)....
Army are definitely not going down that line – that is most assuredly RAAF core business.
Army are looking at purchasing more CH47 in the very near future. The only discussion is what model D or F.
.. and to put Tiger in perspective.. it's supposed to be a recon chopper. Army just managed to get an Attack chopper through the process.
Recon and Attack are not mutually exclusive. Army Aviation had all sorts of problems convincing army that it was not getting too big for its boots. This culture is changing and making decisions along Corps lines are no longer the issue it was. RAAF was also opposed to army having the ability to deliver (meaningful) ordinance from the air (as opposed to the Hueys).
It's just more Army empire building at work..
No – It’s a capability gap. I assure you army would rather not expand more than already planned at the moment – they are very stretched. If RAAF give away their tactical air lift (re the ‘Bou) can the capability be filled by CH47 alone? How many? Or do army need to go out on their own and purchase a FW tactical lift aircraft?
As to the Super Hornet purchase – sounds like insurance.