Western Air Force bright spot – RAAF and Australian Army

Of all the Western air forces, the Royal Australian Air Force (as well as Army Aviation) is one of the bright spots.

Unlike most Western airforces which have shrunk in size and lost capabilities, RAAF and Australian Army have actually been increasing their capabilities:

1. Fighter fleet has been maintained at c.100 aircraft since 1980s.
2. Fighter fleet to stay at c.100 aircraft into future (0-24 F/A-18F + 72-100 F-35)
3. Introduction of Wedgetail AWACS
4. Introduction of C-17 as replacement for C-130H – increase in strategic transport capability
5. Introduction of C-130J as replacement for C-130E
6. Introduction of C-27J as long overdue DHC-7 Caribou replacement
7. Introduction of KC-30A (A330 MRCA) as replacement for older B707s – they can reufel both via flying boom (F-111, f-35) and probe and drogue (F/A-18) unlike older B707s.
8. EDIT: Forgot to mention planned E/A-18G acquisition.

Army:
1. Replacement of S-70 Black Hawk with MRH-90 (NH90).
2. Reintroduction of CH-47 into service
3. Expansion of OH-58 scout squadrons into armed recce helo squadrons with Tiger.