Booger,
despite the detailed technical arguements, the decision is one of being in a partnership of protection in a globalised world. We have to choose which gang we will ally with, be supported by, trade with, leverage off and gain influence from.
The $300M is 'partner' money. Our masters have decided that furture protection and participation in conflict will require this partnership, since we are - economically- too small to afford to stand alone. Also, we are unlikely to apply this weapon system alone. By plugging into the deal at this stage it is showing that we will be founding partners with the project, that we will support the yanks in their protectionist principles, and they will (in principle) support us in many regional issues. Hence we can justify the weapon because it brings the yanks into our protectionist policies. The kiwi government on the other hand has dropped the ball by getting rid of its combat airforce, and in doing so signalled a resignation of it's influence - it cannot leverage economically with with an offer of combat air support. Economically, they have pulled out the plug to save their pennies, but in world terms they are powerless to kick butt, even in their backyard.
On the technical side, he who has the superior air toys, logistics, intel and economic horsepower now wins the airwar, despite huge armies. There is no doubt the JSF will be a good machine, and the logistic support base of the US industry will swing behind it, making contenders harder to support. If we cannot patch seamlessly with the yank battlespace operation, feed off their logistics and support their intents and goals in the future, they will not be genuinely interested (like the Kiwis now). And they clearly have the industry and the toys. All the signals and support from our govt re sept 11 / Afganistan / Howards trade speech to US leaders...etc -display this policy now.
It's all about power. We will be a bit like a potential USAF det-A.
Last edited by Roller Merlin; 29th Jun 2002 at 01:51.