The typhoon is a very capable aircraft, no doubt about it. However it design priorities and integration priorities aren't and ideal multirole fit for Australia and its geographic and its geopolitical situation.Interesting. Can you expand on that?
Early trache aircraft were very focused around air defence only as I understand it.
UK confirms plans to strip early Typhoon jets for parts
I am not an expert, but it would seem that things like Harpoon integration was never a high priority, like it would be for Australia. I am not sure if LRASM is even on the list. JSM? There are other missiles and weapons, but are they in the ADF arsenal, if not how much, how long to be acquired. Would we have to be the integrating customer?
Typhoon Can Carry Harpoon Missile, BAE Says | Aviation Week Network
BENGALURU — BAE Systems is adamant that Boeing’s anti-ship missile, the Harpoon, can be part of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s weapons arsenal. “We are aware of that issue and the Typhoon can carry a Harpoon if a customer wants to integrate it. We have proposed, however, some novel alternatives other...
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The puzzling absence of UK fixed-wing maritime strike capability | Navy Lookout
The absence of airborne anti-ship capability both in the RN and the RAF
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This wasn't meant to be a slight on the Typhoon. Like the F-15 variants that people also often consider as possible viable F-111 replacements, you have to look at the time line of when naval strike capabilities were implemented. Like all aircraft, early versions are often difficult to upgrade and often get stripped for parts, early tranche Eurofighter, F-22 etc. Or need to go expensive refits.
Of course with the F-18 Superhornet, naval strike was extremely high priority. Its prime customer had that need. Even the F-111, originally, was going to be part of the USN, so there was a lot of effort to address those areas.
Eurofighter and Superhornets are very different aircraft. They are much more complimentary, Kuwait bought both.
Going forward, I think the F-35A and the Superhornet are also complimentary. One is a sleek, agile, stealthy fighter, new, tech. The other, an ugly son of a bitch, that isn't graceful, but is rugged, tough, has clear integrated weapons, isn't limited by parts supply, focused on role things other than just air defence including SED, naval, EW etc.