JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

Australia’s planned acquisition of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) remains on track.

Initial Operational Capability of the first squadron of JSF is expected in 2014/2015. 

In December I signed on behalf of the Australian Government the JSF Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The full complement of JSF will be phased in over the next decade.

Statements that JSF will be far less capable than initially thought are simply incorrect.  There has been no reduction in the ability of the JSF to conduct its full range of air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

The F-22 is clearly extremely capable in air-to-air roles, but its air-to-surface capabilities do not cover the full range of roles required by Australia.

Defence assessments show that the JSF will allow Australia to maintain its regional capability edge well into the future.

Claims that the JSF’s electro-optical capability “only worked in clear skies” are misleading. It is a simple fact of physics that all electro-optic systems work only in relatively clear skies.  This characteristic relates to all aircraft and all systems, not just the JSF. 

For all-weather target detection the JSF will use its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the world's most advance radar in a fighter aircraft.

There is no proposal to extend the life of the F-111 to the year 2020. The F-111 will be withdrawn in the 2010 to 2012 timeframe. The decision on the exact timing will be made soon.

Australia will not accept an air combat capability shortfall during the transition to the JSF.  A risk mitigation strategy being analysed is to obtain 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to ensure Australia’s air combat capability edge is maintained.

Our analysis supports the original assessment that the JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia’s needs.

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