Defence Announcements 3 May

[mroz]

1. Govt delays JSF buy up to 2yrs - those already sign-up for remain as scheduled - thoughts: this was going to happen anyway, as the program is taking longer than first planned (what's new!) and a steady approach, as opposed to a "rush" deal is what's req'd.

2. Self-propelled armour - indefinitely delayed "cancelled", likely to come back on the radar with improved budget outlook 2-4yrs. A MUST for the Army.

3. Next generation subs - govt still keen to maintain an indigenous sub program - I'd like to see it capped at modifying and assembling an off-the-shelf option, likely from the US would be best. An off-the-shelf solution would ensure savings to continue a balanced defence program and overcome the dangers of issues like #2 above.

4. Defence review (white paper) brought forward to 2013 - I can tell the govt now what it will say, the Asia/Pacific region is getting warmer.

[richard1098]

Certainly agree with you on 1. For 3, though, the Euro boats are small and designed for small European distances and conditions. The USN is nuclear. There may be the opportunity to tap into a Japanese program. Overall, I suspect it will turn out to he a high local content program. For 2 - this project has been going nowhere for so many years its probably good that its finally been put to rest. Perhaps the ADF just needs to "get real" and buy reconditioned M109s, or more M777s and CH-47Fs to carry them round.

i was surprise to see the battlefield airlifter project hadn't been axed. I always saw it as the RAAFS equivalent of army's SPG.

[flyinkiwi]

1. Govt delays JSF buy up to 2yrs - those already sign-up for remain as scheduled - thoughts: this was going to happen anyway, as the program is taking longer than first planned (what's new!) and a steady approach, as opposed to a "rush" deal is what's req'd.

It is pure unadulterated hedging, no matter what spin they put on it. Grumbling from some of the other tier 2 buyers about price and delivery schedules, ructions from within the US Defense establishment about the viability of the entire JSF programme, endless flipflops from the Poms, no wonder the Australian government is backing out as far as they can without invoking some sort of penalty clause in the contract. The axe might well be falling, so it is wise to get out of the way and see which way it lands before acting.

I bet Boeing are loving it.

[mroz]

Yes, it certainly does ensure a 4.75/5th gen Super Hornet! Great news for the RAAF actually.