More jet fighters needed to face threat of invasion

Published: Oct 12, 2005
Source: www.theaustralian.news.com.au



AUSTRALIA would lack the firepower to repel an invasion if it bought only 100 strike fighters to replace its ageing air combat fleet.

A report by the Kokoda Foundation defence think tank also warns that the nation would be caught short if it had to send fighters to two overseas hotspots at the same time.

The report, titled Australia's Future Joint Strike Fighter Fleet: How Much Is Too Little, suggests Australia may need as many as 130 fighters.

Defence is interested in buying 100 of the US-built stealth fighters at a cost of $16billion to replace the F-111s and F/A 18s from 2012. It would be the nation's largest single military purchase.

But with reports the cost of the aircraft have blown out from about $45million to $60million each, the department is under pressure to cut the number before a final decision next year.continue..