And why did the French try the under-carriage-less Baroudeur as late as 1956?
Basically because it was reasoned that conventional airfields would be primary targets of Soviet attack. So a zero launch/land in a field solution was attempted. Much the same initial reasoning behind the Harrier.
As for the Australians....
" Of course its a combat goer."
" What do you mean it hasn't got a bottom on it?"