Defence officials air concerns over US fighter jet deal

Published: Mar 15, 2006
Source: www.abc.net.au



Senior Australian Defence Force (ADF) officials have cast doubt on whether Australia will continue with the nation's biggest defence purchase, the US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.

The sticking point is the United States has not yet agreed to share sensitive technology for the aircraft.

Testifying at a US Senate Committee in Washington today, the Australian officials made their concerns plain and threatened not to proceed to the next phase of the project unless they are assured they will have access to all technology needed to operate and service the jets.

The Federal Opposition is warning of a gap in Australia's air defence if the strike purchase does not proceed.continue..