Comments by "Andy Dee" (@AndyViant) on "PilotPhotog" channel.

  1. Most likely this cancellation is to wait for the upcoming 6th gen option as part of AUKUS. But some B21 Raiders would also be a good fit, bringing back that kind of advantage in strike technology that Australia found so useful out of the F-111. Also, an updated FA18 Super Hornet will not be a bad piece of kit, and not every mission requires full stealth capabilities, so choosing to run multiple platforms will allow greater flexibility even if it leads to slightly worse logistics. It is very interesting that India chose the Rafale. It's quite a capable aircraft in its own way, and built for an almost entirely different doctrine. With some upgrades the French are making to their missiles it will be very interesting to see how that would match up against an upgraded Super Hornet (not that we are anything but allies).
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  2. Given the huge costs per hour of the F35, low mission availability percentages, and compromises in structure you have to wonder if a 4.5 gen fighter might not be a far superior option.
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