Jump jets for the ADF - ETH Z.pdfVIP

C I G E T A R T S INSIGHTS Jump jets for the ADF? 78 Richard Brabin-Smith and Benjamin Schreer Is there a case for Australia to acquire F-35B Joint Strike Fighter short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft to operate from the two new Canberra-class landing helicopter docks (LHDs)? The government has directed that this question be addressed in the development of the 2015 Defence White Paper. This report is an independent assessment of the costs and potential benefits of such an acquisition. Reintroducing organic naval air power into the ADF would be a big strategic decision, and very complex and expensive, so it’s important to have a clear view of the circumstances in which it might be beneficial enough to be worth pursuing. And it’s important to be aware not only of the direct costs but also of the potential risks and opportunity costs. Overall, this report concludes that the benefits would be marginal at best, wouldn’t be commensurate with the costs and other consequences for the ADF, and would potentially divert funding and attention from more valuable force structure enhancements. An F-35B test aircraft lands vertically aboard the USS Wasp at night on 15 August 2013. © Lockheed Martin November 2014 2 Jump jets for the ADF? STOVL jets and their potential Carrier-based aviation could provide a future government with greater military flexibility in regional and global contingencies. A carrier enables the projection of air power independently of land bases, thereby enhancing political freedom to manoeuvre without relying on the agreement of host nations. Proximity to the area of operations can also allow a more rapid response to tactical developments than might be available from land-based aircraft. Moreover, depending on circumstances, a ca