ABC.net website:
Australia 'will lose air superiority' with new jet fighter
The Federal Government has been accused of putting Australia's defence at risk with the $7 billion purchase of the Super Hornet jet fighter to replace the ageing F111 aircraft.
Cabinet decided to buy 24 Super Hornets as a stopgap measure until the new Joint Strike Fighter is delivered in 2014.
Tonight's ABC Four Corners program has revealed that the decision to buy the Hornets was based on a critical mistake made during wing-tests on an F111 aircraft, that suggested they were unsafe.
Ex-Air Commander Peter Criss says the Super Hornets are no match for the new Russian Sukhoi fighters that the Indonesians and Chinese are buying.
"Contrary to the claims it's not a fifth generation fighter. It's not stealthy," he said.
"You can't have a stealthy aircraft when every bit of ordnance you have has to be carried externally.
"It's not fast. It can't carry a lot of weapons. It can't run. It's just vulnerable from the word go."
There are also claims that the temporary replacements to the F111s are substandard and will see Australia lose its air of superiority to the Indonesians, Malaysians and Chinese.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson and Defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston both declined to record interviews for the Four Corners program.
But Group Captain Steve Roberton says the Super Hornet is better than some of its detractors make out.
"Very few aircraft are going to be able to get into a turning fight with this aircraft, they're not going to be able to get into that dog-fight zone," he said.
"But if they do, the ability of this aircraft to turn rapidly and use the world's most advanced multi-role radar and helmets to cue the latest US weapons, is going to give them a very rude shock."
The big question is why was the competitive acquisition process bypassed?
Defence did not ask for the F18F!!
Was it just that Brenden saw the powerpoint show and thought it was a good idea to blow $7 Bil before the budget surplus was sucked away by election promises at the end of the year?
Last edited by Roller Merlin; 29th Oct 2007 at 10:47.