Pig news from down south

There is suspected glimmer of hope for the venerable and yet highly able F-111 from down under. The new current under ALP will be reviewing the end of use date of the life of the F-111Cs that are left as all the F-111Gs have been retired? So the F-111C now at 40years age but only flown for 35years will potential fly beyond 2010-15 date now and Australia might try to still get the F-22 somehow for air defence.

From what im told a re upgraded F-111 with a superior ECM/ECCM fit and careful use could fly endless much like the B-52

[Old SAR pilot]

Oz is already getting the F-18F fo AD:

http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish ... 015001.php

And, as far as keepin the Vark alive, only so long as AMARG has enough wing hinge point parts left. Be a real hoot, tho....

[JDK]

Oz is already getting the F-18F fo AD:

Maybe - maybe not. The Super Hornet deal was an interim step, bought in a hurry on IMHO a rather dubious premise, before getting a more flashy funny shaped thing with a forgettable number... And the Super H deal has been brought into question by a new (changed) government. (Fill in your own defence saga here.)

The retirement of the Australian F-111s did seem to be brought forward without good reason, relatively recently, as they were scheduled to go for a while yet. I don't think B-52 years are likely however.

From your NOT current defence correspondent.

EDIT:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008 ... 166029.htm