Bringing the F-22 debate back to Earth

It was good to see that the terms of reference for the air combat capability review were laid down in late February and that a relatively rapid reportby date of April 30 was specified.

The review will be held in two stages: the first looking at what “Australia’s air combat capability requirements will be in the period 2010 to 2015; the feasibility of retaining the F-111 aircraft in service beyond 2010; a comparative analysis of aircraft available to fill any gap that may be left by the withdrawal of the F-111; and the status of plans to acquire the F/A-18 Super Hornet. ” The second stage “will consider trends in Asia Pacific air power until 2045 and the relative capabilities of current and projected fourth and fifth generation combat aircraft such as the Joint Strike Fighter. The review will also examine the case for and against acquiring the F-22. Public submissions will be called for in regard to stage two. ” However, having set the review in train, it was curious to see Minister Fitzgibbon continue his F-22 rhetoric in the wake of the review’s launch, particularly in the presence of his US equivalent, Dr Robert Gates, during the US delegation’s AUSMIN February visit to Canberra.