Context and the F-35

Later this year the RAAF will retire its fleet of F-111 bombers after 37 years service. The aircraft have become difficult to keep airworthy, and their extreme maintenance costs have made them economically unsustainable. Nor do they have the operational edge they once enjoyed. No professional airman could support their retention.

Yet the decision to pay-off the F-111s has been called irresponsible by some politicians and commentators.