OZ is too commited to the F-35 to make any rash defence decisions,apart from the Kaman Seasprite ,I think OZ makes pretty sound defence decisions, that might change if a Labour Goverment gets in (hope not!!)
Difference between NZ and OZ is that the OZ population takes a more serious interest in in its national defence, while here in NZ we whinge about our beloved Skyhawks but we do F..k all!
While OZ might buy the Super Hornet as a stop gap I dont think they will do it at risk of the F-35,the F-35 is the future and while im a huge fan of the F-111 its fate is sealed and the F-35 will be the dominent plane of the future

I would have to pick the RAAF

Training is marvelous. Over the last few years it has received a fair bit of combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in releif operations throughout the region. It also has excellent infrastructure and maintenance facilities, is able to design its own weapon systems when no other exists (glide bomb version of the JDAM currently beeing tested). It has the capability to expand quickly if need be and is currently awash with government funds. Only downside is that its a little small, but currently thats all thats needed

I completely agree,the RAAF is one Airforce that commands respect all over the world,I read a article that said that back in 1999 (i think)a F-111 at a Red-Flag meet shot down an Aggressor F-16 that was chasing a Brit Tornado,I thought that was so cool when I read that! Total respect for the RAAF

Im going to say NZ,our former Skyhawk fleet flew the lowest over the ocean at 50ft while the Hornets of the RAAF flew at 250ft! our Skyhawks proved itself against OZ f-18s,Malaysian Mig 29s,thai,Singapore F16s and British Harriers,our pilots were some of the best in the world,its just a shame its no more and our pilots fly for the RAAF and RAF

Its a huge shame,while the Skyhawks are parked up 5km from my house the people along with 80 odd yrs of combat wing know-how is long gone,most pilots went to OZ,UK and 1 even went to a Gulf State,all wiped out against the majority of Kiwis wishes with 1 stroke of a left wing pen.
Please OZ,what ever plane you get,make sure it has the range to cover us as we dont have a combat wing!

I think its great that OZ takes its defense seriously unlike my country