I have no doubt that the deployment of Aussie fast jet support would have been a hot topic across many desks at Canberra over the past 12 months.
But I fear the following issues would prevent such a deployment:
- The lead up to the election, and the subsequent incoming Labor 'government'
- The Hornet upgrade program (availability and crews)
- Low F-111 survivability and high operational costs (even in relatively beneign threats)
- The surplus of fast air available in Australia's current area's of operation
While I am sure the boys would love to be supporting Aussie troops on the ground, I suspect that until most of the above points were justified or resolved, the support offered would be limited to CAS planning, and supporting training operations and workups.
But then again, a trip away in anger might keep a few more interested....
Last edited by Naked_recommiting; 20th Jan 2008 at 05:31.