The basis of this thread is that the US is only receiving new F-22 and F-35’s. Are’nt they also receiving F18E-F’s? I dont know about F-15E’s and F-16’s. Can anyone enlighten me?

And is it not going to be an upgraded version of the SH? That is on offer in case of F35 delays, I mean.

I still believe we need more than one type of aircraft.
If the F-18E/F and the F-35 are both meant to do the same type of work, as is the Rafael, I cant see the point in having two of those aircraft to supplement each other. The only advantage would be if a problem occurred that required all of one type of aircraft to be grounded, we would still have something.
The F-22 has a strong Air Defence element. Something Australia needs with its vast coastline and size. It would complement any of the MRCA type aircraft nicely.

I think that there would be a large number of Australians who would not be happy to see our warplanes to consist of one type only, as I previously described it, a slow (the slowest fighter we would have had since the Avon Sabre), single engined plane that has good stealth qualities from certain angles, which is very reliant on software etc. A breakdown in the software would see our entire warplane fleet out of action. I for one would love to see us reduce our F35 numbers, by purchasing some F-22’s.

If Australia was to get the F-22a, how many would we need? If we wanted ywo small squadrons of them, would 8. 10. 12 a squadron be realistic? How many would need all up?

I would like to see the RAN get two smaller amphibs than planned, the South Korean 200m ship at 18’500t looks quite competent. Then a further two larger ships that would be aircraft capable. Perhaps as a joint project with Japan, who may also be interested in renewing their naval aviation.

Incidentially, Happy New year everyone!

Tiddles, I thought that Mistral was putting forward an extended version of the Mistral. To what extent I have no idea. But typical of us we would not want an “off the shelf” model. Wouild not cost enough.