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| Down Under |
| Govt considers $2b Defence aircraft stopgap |
| 2006-12-15 |
| The Federal Government is considering a $2 billion back-up plan to replace the Air Force's aging F-111 fighter bombers while it waits for the controversial Joint Strike Fighter jets to be delivered. The Government says it remains committed to buying up to 100 Joint Strike Fighters for $16 billion, but they may not be delivered before the F-111s are retired. So the Government is considering buying 24 Super Hornets to cover any gap. Meanwhile, Labor is supporting the Government's $1 billion overhaul of military recruitment. Prime Minister John Howard says the Defence application process will be shortened and retention bonuses improved to attract more people and encourage them to stay. "In an era of low unemployment it is a very big task," he said. Chief of the Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy says the changes are needed. "In a very well performed economy where recruiting is difficult, we frankly need to do better in this area," he said. "Recruiting for many has taken too long and has been difficult and over-complicated." |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #8 Joe, the USAF EF-111's have all been retired, but these RAAF a/c are strictly fighter bombers, and a different variant. The Electric Aardvaarks were originally 'straight' F-111's that were retrofitted with the ALQ-99 jamming system similiar to the EA-6B Prowlers. The Electric Intruders are now the sole ECM aircraft for our armed forces. |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2006-12-15 15:07 |
| #7 Jack is either up for release or being released for time served and health reasons. (saw a news flash a week or so ago) |
| Posted by: 3dc 2006-12-15 13:36 |
| #6 Jack Kevorkian isn't dead? Or is dead? I really need to pay more attention to the important things! |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2006-12-15 12:27 |
| #5 Joe is a national treasure. Well, a Rantburg treasure, but that's the same thing. |
| Posted by: Steve White 2006-12-15 10:18 |
| #4 The Penn State sub shop thing had me giggling like a schoolgirl. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2006-12-15 09:32 |
| #3 Ummmm, Joe - Penn State sub shops? Up the Geodon to about 140mg at bedtime. Eat something first. JOE SEC STATE 2008! |
| Posted by: GORT 2006-12-15 08:45 |
| #2 ...The AussieVarks are pretty much at the end of their rope, but the RAAF has done an incredible job of keeping them going. What they need tho aren't Hornets but rather StrikeEagles. Mike |
| Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2006-12-15 06:56 |
| #1 F-111 > okay, I'll bite,wasn't the last 111 suppos to had been retired already??? NASA + aersopace companies were suppos to be the only ones flying the bird. OTOH, maybe shouldn't be surprised, since JACK KERVORKIAN's suppos to be dead also. OKAY, PYWAR, THE PENN STATE SUB SHOPS + MOTHER CINDY WANTS ANSWERS AND WHATS 'EM NOW, D *** it. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2006-12-15 00:42 |