Max Blenkin
The controversial F-35A Lightning Joint Strike Fighter is expensive and running late but there's no real alternative available to meet the RAAF's needs for an advanced combat aircraft, a Senate committee says.
However, it recommends that Defence adopt a "hedging strategy" to be implemented by 2019 at the latest in case further JSF delays raise the risk of a capability gap between the retirement of older RAAF aircraft and entry to service of the JSF.
In a report tabled in the Senate on Thursday, the foreign affairs, defence and trade committee said it received evidence criticising the JSF, with some calling for its procurement to be cancelled.
Committee chairman Senator Alex Gallacher said the members were not convinced any of the suggested JSF alternatives were capable of meeting Australia's needs.
They included the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale.
Many suggested the US F-22 Raptor but the committee said the F-22 production line was closed and unlikely to reopen. And even if it did, US law prohibited foreign sales.
"Notwithstanding the criticisms, the committee is satisfied that the F-35A is the only aircraft able to meet Australia's strategic needs for the foreseeable future, and that sufficient progress is being made in the test and evaluation program to address performance issues of concern," Senator Gallacher told the Senate.
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