Super Hornet buy to be reconsidered.

According to “The Age” newspaper in Melbourne, the new government is reconsidering the purchase of 24 Super Hornets as a stop-gap fighter jet. The decision could be jettisoned by the Rudd Government as it reviews all aspects of the program to give Australia an edge in air-combat capability in the region.

Defence Department planners are believed to have been asked to present a detailed analysis on all the fighter jet options to the new Federal Government and how they stack up against likely adversaries — the first time such a study has been done for at least five years.

All projects in the program will be carefully examined. That includes what aircraft are to be bought, in what numbers, when and at what price.