Re- F35B for the RAN Carriers.
Inter-service squabbling aside, I feel the argument for the F35B is compelling as long as it is in service with the Americans and the aircraft are operated by the RAAF.
However, the greatest threat to a RAN flotilla is sub-surface. And this needs to be addressed before we look at expensive fighters. Submarines are proliferating throughout Asia and Australia needs to be confident they can meet this threat. The RAN has been a basket case, but it must meet this fundamental requirement if it is to operate regionally. I'm not talking of joint USN ops within the first Chinese island chain, but we may as well tie our boats to the pier if we can't defend against a conventional submarine threat.
The air threat regionally is somewhat less evolved. Yes, that can change quickly. But an Aegis flanked RAN surface group, will be argued as meeting the local air force capabilities- few have stand off missiles. Couple the AEGIS defense with an offensive counter air campaign against an enemy using cruise missiles on the air warfare destroyers and land based RAAF strikes with JSF/Hornets or LRMP with stand-off weapons, and the bean counters have an argument against JSF on carriers.
You would hope, as our carrier ops evolve, with the use of army tactical helicopter in close air support roles, the three services can combine and lobby for a squadron of VTOL JSF's. All three services benefit- RAN gets fighter defence and strike, army gets tactical support and the RAAF gets another squadron of JSF, with a real justification for the 100 aircraft fleet.
Last edited by Gnadenburg; 19th Apr 2012 at 06:33.