F-111

[Cobra2]

Yeah, its like a jellyfish...aww its pink and squishy how dangerous can it be? but its sting can kill you 

[Raptor]

Finding Nemo? Sheesh.

And really, i never had much appreciation for the triple-one.

Oh, yes. Like an AIM-9. Oh, it looks so nice and cylindrical. "CAN I FLY IT? PLEASE???"

[RecceJet]

They will still be the most capable strike aircraft in the region until they are withdrawn. Only then will the regional Flankers be at the top of the list.

[Raptor]

Hm. Flankers. You guys should get some new aircraft.

From France. Just Kidding

[Gripen]

France? Rafale? Hmmm.. possibly

but no.. Stupid F-35

*growls*

[RecceJet]

I'd take the F-35 over almost anything else available today to meet advanced strike capabilities. The only other option I would personally consider is a later variant of the Flanker family.

The F-35 is receiving a substantial amount of negative reporting, but so do most expensive procurements when they are in the development stage. When it is finally operational I think it could well become the most capable strike fighter in the region for Australia and Singapore. It won't enjoy the range and speed of the Flanker, nor would it have the payload, but it would beat the Flanker in any other aspect.

Weapons are getting longer ranges these days and a lot of things can be done remotely. By the time the F-35 comes out, the technology it operates could make the Flanker close to obselete.

...but that's moving away from the F-111 topic.

[Gripen]

Why cant we just re-modernize the F-111?

[Raptor]

I think you could, but the F-111 is a rather old airframe. It would take considerable work.

[Gripen]

Would it be cheaper then buying the F-35's?

[Raptor]

Considerably, but i don't think it would be wise to use an airframe that can be outmatched by many other new airframes from russia, ja?

[Gripen]

And Russia is attacking us why?

Who would wanna attack Australia.. theres nothing here.. other then politicians and desert

[Webmaster]

Russia is not the problem, some people are concerned about China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, etc. So they want to keep the F-111 for long-range interdiction, because the Hornets and F-35 lack the range. There's an entire website dedicated to this argument: http://www.ausairpower.net/

I think Australia made a good decision though, investing on Hornet upgrade, stand-off cruise missiles, tankers, AEW, and lease Super Hornet to fill the gap until F-35 enters service. Okay, so maybe they are Super Bugs, but for Australia it is the best option availabe to fill the gap, and I am glad they did recognize and fill the gap!

Of course the F-22 would be ideal, but it's not really an option for Australia (yet...), neither is buying Flankers (Su-34 would make a good replacement though, too bad it isn't made in the US of A).

The F-111s are old, dated, expensive to maintain and operate. It's time to move on and get over it.