Release of the ASPI’s Strategic Insight no. 9/2004 on Australia’s air combat capability

ASPI today released its latest Strategic Insight: Is the JSF good enough? Can Australia’s air combat requirements be met by the JSF, or do we need the F/A-22? This paper looks at the job to be done by the RAAF’s air combat forces and the systems, tactics and networks required to maintain a capability edge. A comparison is made between the JSF and the F/A-22 aircraft.

The author of the paper is Air Marshal Angus Houston, Chief of Air Force. ASPI is pleased to provide the RAAF with an opportunity to offer the most detailed explanation yet on the case for the Joint Strike Fighter.

Key points from the paper include:

“Australia’s air combat capability is on the threshold of a new era as the F-111 and F/A-18 approach the end of their service lives.”

“The strength of our future air combat capability-and our largest defence project ever-is a matter of strategic importance.”

“We will maintain our capability edge by developing a network-centric air combat system.”

“The JSF will be a true fifth generation, stealthy, multi-role, single-seat, single-engine, fighter aircraft.”

“The JSF is intended to set new benchmarks in affordability, availability and supportability for a high-performance stealth aircraft.”

Air Marshal Houston concludes by saying; “The JSF is the more cost effective option for us.”

The paper reflects the views of Air Marshal Houston and does not necessarily represent the position of ASPI on any particular issue.