In comments which are sure to reassure neighbours, Deputy PM Taro Aso suggests that when it comes to revising the constitution, Japan should follow the example of Nazi Germany.

You can’t make this stuff up. :eagerness:

I think possibly the best option for NZ would be a purchase of C-130J transports and SC-130J MPA – this would increase commonality and reduce operating costs whilst maintaining both an airlift and MPA capability.

Seems sensible to me. UAS could play a role here too — RQ-4C Triton?

The frigates are somewhat superfluous and probably should be let go if financial constraints don’t allow for replacement of all current assets.

Replace with 3 large OPVs with helicopter facilities, similar to recent Protector-class vessels.

A strong navy is key to maintaining security.

NZ doesn’t have a strong Navy now and won’t have one in future.

USA doesn’t make diesel subs.

Several confrontations have happened in past history which show that the country which has the bigger budget doesn’t necessarily win a war…

Perhaps you could list some examples — from the industrial age please.

Doesn’t Turkey already build F-16s? No doubt TF-X is a challenge and a big step up for industry, but I don’t think it is out of reach given appropriate national will and backing, which seems to be there given previous and current investments in domestic military-industrial capabilities. And of course SAAB is on board as well.

Incidentally, is it actually settled that TF-X will be a full stealth fighter? An indigenised further development of Gripen E/F would be the cheapest and least risky option, but they could always do something like KF-X Block I but powered by a single F110. I do think the twin-engine proposal is a non-starter.

Perhaps the estimates are optimistic, but not by so much as to render the project non-viable I think.

What a crud colour scheme.

I don’t get people’s obsession with cutesy Japanese anime.

Some anime is good.

😎

That article is quite bizarre. Cost of development and inexperience of Turkish industry are presented as problems, and then simultaneously the article complains about sourcing existing foreign engine? :confused:

Stripping out the development budget (one-third of total program cost) they’re talking about USD $67m unit production cost for an aircraft in the class of F-16. That seems a perfectly sensible figure, certainly in light of the comparatively low cost of Turkish industry in comparison to US/FR/etc.

The derivatives of the Piaggio Avanti afford excellent loitering capability despite having exceptional speed for a turboprop, together with unmatched cabin x-section and volume for its class as well as endurance (due to the innovative and very aerodynamic design). With the Hammerhead one would also have a first experience with unmanned aircraft of this class.

Huh, and I thought Piaggio made scooters.

I must be amongst the few who think F-35 is the best looking. It’s beauty lies in it’s single engine elegance. Clean and simple at a glance, yet very sophisticated in the details.

I like single-engine aircraft — F-16, Mirage 2K, F-8/A-7, MiG-23, etc. — and their simplicity and elegance is a big part of it. I think Gripen E/F is going to be hot sex and hope TF-X and LMFS are single-engine designs also. But F-35 … no. Simple, elegant, or graceful are not adjectives I would use for that aircraft. Like late-model F-16, it looks overfed.