I would have thought that the Gripen would have been an excellent aircraft for the Kiwi’s.

Raptor now at US$258m. F35 projected US$50m. Raptor is expected to get cheaper as more produced, F35 dearer with further development. At what stage will it become more viable to have a fleet of F22’s as against F35’s? Like if F22 was three times price of F35’s, twice, what do you think?

when you say ‘pushing’ does that mean you have connections with the inside or something? or maybe a member of the Defence Force?
Short answer…No.

As for Gripen, EF-2000 and Rafael, they are good choices but consider the logistical support it needs for a short-range aircraft flying in the vast airspace of Australia. It would be a major headache for the military planners.
Canpark, they have longer range than our F-18’s, so what would be the problem?

I would be surprised if the A-4 Skyhawks generated much interest today, due to their age etc.

I have been pushing for the RAAF to get a warplane beside the F-35. I believe that we are going to be vulnerable from 2006 onwards. Over several years 43 F18’s are going to be re-worked and fitted with new centre fuselage sections, with each plane being out of action for 12 months. Also the F-35 is going to be available to the RAAF much later than the planned 2012.
I dont consider the F-35 to be an adequate replacement for the F-111, as it is only a small plane, originally designed to replace the F-16. We always said we wanted a twin engine aircraft, until the F-35 came up now a single engine will do.
Failing the RAAF getting Su-32/34, or F15E’s (or K’s whichever is the most modern and appropriate), there does not seem to be a lot out there to replace the F-111. If we are going the way of multi-purpose aircraft, which are needed anyway to replace the F-18’s, maybe we should adopt a different mindset, and go for Air Defence as the main feature of a replacement aircraft, and get a couple of squadrons of E2000’s, Rafael’s, or Gripen’s, whichever are best suited, and cut down the number of F-35’s required accordingly.
Any comments anyone?

Canpark, I will not argue with you that Aussies are racist. We certainly are. But your opinion of our view on asians is not correct. Most of us would prefer asians (oriental types anyway) to a lot of european and middle eastern nationalities. Most Australian Chinese are well respected in the community, as can be seen by positions they have attained. One is Lord Mayor of Melbourne at the moment.

One good point not being mentioned… JAS39 available now, F35 in 8 – 10 years time. When you want the plane is a big consideration.
Also cost. Current cost of Gripen is ????? whatever, but it is known. Anticipated cost of F35 may be a far cry from actual cost. (I rambled there but you should be able to work out my meaning).
From figures I have seen the Gripen has similar weapon loading weight to F35.