C_S: sorry mate, but you've been misinformed. According to those who operate it - both A-A and A-G mates, it's really rather good. And with Tranche 2 / Block 8 and onwards, it's going to get even better in the A-G role.
And as much as I'd love to banter Typhoon mates, but facts are sadly, still facts!
Jindabyne/PBLT:
Very interesting: but what's the RAAF's focus - is it looking for a CAS specialist? If I were an Aussie taxpayer (and I'm not), I'd look for the capability mix to include:
- Maritime strike, as anyone intended to invade Australia will need to come by sea;
- Has a precision long-range strike capability to defeat strategic target sets (sending the appropriate message);
And/Or
- Provides a A-A capability to escort the legacy platform (F-18A+) and can provide the same role for the F-35.
For me, it's this second string that makes more sense, as the F-35 / Dave is not an air superiority fighter, and the low observables will be seriously degraded when the inevitable external stores and tanks are added. On this basis, buying an A-A biased platform that will remain credible now (FLANKER, Rafale, Typhoon, maybe evolved Gripen) would ensure that it retains a role in a future mixed RAAF force.
S41