Australian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter Jeff Head
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No..right now there are no F-35Bs for the Australian Canberra class. The only F-35s being purchased for Australia to date are the F-35As for the Australian Air Force.
Their prime Minister has called for an evaluation white Paper to look at thethe potential for F-35Bs for the Canberras.
If it leads to F-35B purchases, then typically a squadron of six jump jets would located on vessels like the Canberra like they are in the US Navy Wasp class LHDs.
Brumby
Major
Strategically and fiscally, it is not a good idea. Tactically, I understand the advantages. The PM is the only one who seems interested and politically he might not survive beyond June. Let's see what the White Paper says. I wonder when is that actually coming out?
I cannot see any strategic downside as long as they can find a way to afford it.
Clearly it would give the Canberras a significant added capability and functionality...making their deployment options more flexible, both for Australia individually, and in conjunction with allied operations. Those can add both tactical and strategic advantages.
However, if it could not be afforded and was done at the cancellation of other more needed programs...clearly that would be the issue. That is...as they say...the $64 question.
I thought the paper/decision was going to be made this Spring...but am not sure on that timing.
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Brumby
Major
A F-35B is an added power projection capability. Given Australia's immediate neighbourhood and the defence establishment's threat assessment, it is perceived to be an overkill. This is the main reason why the F-35B never made it into consideration until that curved ball came out of Tony Abbot.
In my view, the strategic consideration is not about upside or downside but political alignment and reality. Should Australia takes a view of needing greater power projection capabilities like with the F-35B, it would signal to me a shift in political reality and positioning of needing to be more assertive and proactive in regional issues like dealing with China. In my view, it would mean a recognition in the need to contingently participate in the future with the U.S. in some form of alliance in power projection e.g. blockage et al. I don't believe politically Australia has crossed that threshold, even if it might be normal part of military contingencies planning. This is simply my opinion. As it is often said, military tasking is merely an extension of politics.
Time will tell. I believe Abbot is looking forward to what are pretty clear contingencies.
The PLAN growth and influence is not going to slow down in the foreseeable future.
There has already been talk about cross decking US aircraft on the Canberras. If they contemplate going there with any regularity or frequency...the conclusion is pretty obvious to me.
But, as I say...time will tell.
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Her homeport in fact to Kuttabul close Sydney 33°51'50.75"S 151°13'30.29"E, homeported there :
3 FFG Anzac, 4 FFG Perry, CS Success, 6 MS, AA Canberra, Choules and Tobrouk.
Other base Stirling/Perth 32°13'52.77"S115°41'48.85"E :
5 FFG Anzac 6 SSK Collins and OL Sirius.
All Naval Aviation which get only helos is based to Nowra close Sydney.
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A few australian newsbits:
Their A-330 MRTT, KC-30A, is supposed to become fully operational this year. With a minor delay, but a promising performance abroad in the anti-ISIS campaign.
They're also intending to qualify Singaporean F-15SG and F-16 on the aircraft. As well as do tests with the F-35 later in the US.
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Their Wegdetail is alo doing well:
Finally, a wing-kit the RAAF tested on JDAM series bombs apparently trippled their range:
Although there seem to be a few unexspected errors in that article ?
JDAMs have a GPS guidance kit, not Laser. JDAMs are also Mk 82/83/84 series bombs enhanced with the GPS guidance kits, not GBU-39.
The GBU-39 is a complete new development of a 250lb clas weapon with GPS/INS guidance and an integral wing kit. That kit might now have migrated towards JDAMs.
LJDAMs are JDAMs with an added laser seeker. But I don't think the article is talking about those.
Their A-330 MRTT, KC-30A, is supposed to become fully operational this year. With a minor delay, but a promising performance abroad in the anti-ISIS campaign.
They're also intending to qualify Singaporean F-15SG and F-16 on the aircraft. As well as do tests with the F-35 later in the US.
__________________________________________________________________________
Their Wegdetail is alo doing well:
_________________________________________________________________________
Finally, a wing-kit the RAAF tested on JDAM series bombs apparently trippled their range:
Although there seem to be a few unexspected errors in that article ?
JDAMs have a GPS guidance kit, not Laser. JDAMs are also Mk 82/83/84 series bombs enhanced with the GPS guidance kits, not GBU-39.
The GBU-39 is a complete new development of a 250lb clas weapon with GPS/INS guidance and an integral wing kit. That kit might now have migrated towards JDAMs.
LJDAMs are JDAMs with an added laser seeker. But I don't think the article is talking about those.
(video inside)
Brumby
Major
I guess it is one of those options like when you buy a car except it seems from the article it is not really an option but then it is not included in the flyaway price.
The not so funny part of the article is that if you read into the implications of it is that if this helmet technology doesn't work as advertised, then a lot of people are truly screwed. The worrying part is that this whole wiz bang thing might not actually work because of the technology hurdles involved. The question is what is plan B?
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