Australia has been willing to operate two fast jet fleets, something Canada gave up on years ago. Having a viable backup jet just in case makes sense, even though the chances of the F-35 going sideways now is very unlikely. Our backup is next door.
The Superhornet was a quick and fast fix for the classic Hornet disguised as an upgrade. The USN couldn't manage to get funding for a true F-14 replacement, something they really wanted and still need. Nevertheless, the Superhornet was an important addition to the USN and this seems to be the case for the RAN too.
Yes we are going to operate two fast jet fleets, probably up until the late 2020's (assuming approval is given by the mid 2020's to replace the Super Hornets with that 4th operational squadron of F-35A).
But I also think we need to go back and have a look at the 'timeline' as to why we are in that situation (for better or worse, depending peoples opinions).
As we know the original plan for the introduction of the F-35A as the one type to replace both the Classic Hornets and the F-111C's went out the window when the then Government in early 2007 decided to retire the F-111C's by 2010 rather than 2020.
And the obvious answer to that rather short time frame and transition period was the Super Hornet.
Whilst a lot of people jumped up and down regarding the early retirement of the F-111C fleet at the time, in hindsight, I think it's worked out pretty well for the RAAF.
Like you, I don't see the F-35A going sideways now, but what the fleet of Super Hornets does allow for is that bit of extra insurance, eg, having a modern operational combat aircraft in service whilst we see the transition from the Classic fleet to F35A during the period 2018-2023.
So I think the Super Hornet acquisition (originally as an interim for a 10 year period and now stretched to a 20 year period), has worked for us with both the early replacement of the elderly F-111C fleet and seeing out the transition period from Classic Hornet to F-35A.
But having said that, I would still like to see (once transition to the approved 72 F-35A is completed), that the decision is made to transition out the two types to the combined fleet of 100 F-35A by 2030.
Which puts us back on track as originally planned, one operational type, one training requirement, one lot of spares, etc, no need for all the overheads and expense that operating two types carries.
So what about Growler you might say? Yes it is based on the Super Hornet airframe, but it's a new and separate capability (just like the introduction over the coming years with the 5 G550's ISR/EW aircraft).
As to the Super Hornet airframes, at the least I'd certainly like to see the pre-wired airframes kept as attrition airframes, and/or a modest expansion of the Growler fleet if deemed necessary.
Anyway, the RAAF is in a pretty good situation with what is has in hand at the moment and what is just around the corner too.
