Suggested actions to correct poor planning
MinDef insists that the economically unattainable Force 2030 vision will still persist in DWP2013, despite a lot of faith being placed in warships and aircraft yet to be proved sufficiently capable.
If the Service Chiefs really want to ensure adequate and credible military preparedness (ongoing, not futuristic), then they must be prepared to take on the politicians and DoD Public Service hierarchy by recommending some difficult decisions. It is anathema to accept military capacity being further compromised by progressing flawed planning and a potentially bigger tin of worms may result from continued run-down of proven capabilities in service, like Blackhawk as outlined in post #263.
Considering the recently announced contract to maintain Blackhawk/Seahawk for another 4 years, with options to extend for a further 6 years, the Blackhawk fleet should be brought up to the same modification status as a priority. See: Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – Joint Media Release – Black Hawk and Seahawk maintenance and engineering services contract.
Herewith some bold thoughts on other possible actions, not necessarily in any order of precedence:
- Discard the ADF Helicopter Strategic Master Plan, which has already been invalidated by excising from Defence Capability Plan 2012 the original intent of limiting the ADF helo fleet to just 4 types.
- Freeze the MRH90 project.
- Investigate the cost penalties involved with cancellation of remaining MRH90 deliveries (some other nations are opting out).
- Analyse the effects of suspending any imprudent whole of life support/maintenance contracts.
- Consider putting Tiger and any MRH90 into storage.
- Seek variation of the MH-60R contract to acquisition of MH-60S in lieu.
- Optimise Blackhawk, Seahawk, Kiowa and remaining Iroquois in storage via modest cost manufacturer approved upgrade programs.
- Expand the CH-47F acquisition to 12 aircraft.
- Shed the HATS twin-engined trainer/LUH notion, acquire more Kiowa for training/recce and dispose of Squirrel downstream as an offset.
Some might feel impractical options; but just think of possible adverse consequences downstream if present planning proceeds, not least being soaring ADF helo fleet operating costs. Some good old-fashioned leadership is required to admit shortcomings and pursue remedial action, albeit unpalatable in some quarters.
Last edited by Bushranger 71; 11th Aug 2012 at 22:37.