[Jonny_C]

This is the best assessment I've seen in a while...

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/can ... ets-05739/

In a nutshell...

Rafale... too unsuitable for our US/NATO integration needs.

Gripen... about the same cost as the Super Hornet and not as much bang for the buck.

Eurofighter... even more expensive than the F-35.

To my mind it seems to come down to the Super Hornet or the F-35. Maybe a blend of the two as is being opted for by Australia, with Super Hornets being outfitted for ECM.

[saturn_656]

Jonny_C Jonny_C:

To my mind it seems to come down to the Super Hornet or the F-35. Maybe a blend of the two as is being opted for by Australia, with Super Hornets being outfitted for ECM.

That's one of the Hornets few saving graces, the EA-18G variant. We'd probably be too cheap shit to buy it though even if we did completely eschew the F-35.

Australia has always seemed more forward thinking on defence matters than us. Fewer bonehead moves and greater capability out of a similar sized pocketbook.

[Jabberwalker]

Oops!

[herbie]

Remember this one? The planes had Luftwaffe markings, on the back of the album was ths same picture, but there were just pegs on the wall and the model planes were all broken all over the floor...

[saturn_656]

The Germans called the Starfighter "Ground Nail". Pretty easy to understand why.

[Jabberwalker]

Der Viddowmaker

[saturn_656]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/02/0 ... HR20140201

UK is apparently close to buying it's first batch of F-35B. Saw somewhere else that the Aussies first pair of planes are already on the assembly line

[Jabberwalker]

Gee, I wonder if they'll fly.