This is another reason you can't trust the current senior defence leadership with your tax dollars: they don't know what they are doing. Again.
It was a bad idea then when deciding to wire 12 of Australia's F-18Fs for the ability to be set up as an ECM jet and it is a bad idea now.
Well over half a billion dollars could be wasted on this project.
And, why is it a waste?
Because the Growler is obsolete against modern threats. What is funny is how some mention it was used in a cream-puff of an air defense "system" like Libya last year.
Here is some additional thoughts by the U.S. Navy concerning the gear Defence wants to put into those 12 aircraft.
But what about the "next-generation jammer?"
What about it? The program may show up. However in these tight budget times and the U.S. Navy getting bled white by outrageously expensive defense projects, I wouldn't count on it.
If Defence goes through with this sham, it will be another monument to their incompetence.
11 comments:
If the operators who know tactics, their own capabilities and those of their adversary say they want Growlers, give them Growlers.
Big call for enthusiastic commentators to say they know better.
You mean enthusiastic commentators like the sources mentioned above? Such as the U.S. Navy which has stated the ALQ-99s can't stand up to the threat.
Interesting.
Disagree on the wiring. Having that HF stuff in the wings can't hurt. And measured against the overall cost of ownership it's not a big deal.
Buying ALQ-99 or not depends on the envisioned enemy capabilities. And regarding NGJ I still hope it will materialize!
"Buying ALQ-99 or not depends on the envisioned enemy capabilities."
Which for anything which is not legacy stuff is a waste of money.
And, as is, Block II E/F can contempt of engage, and destroy legacy AD with no problems. JDAM and JSOW means that I can touch you but you can't touch me.
Here is a solution. Sub-contract the design etc to the Israelies.
Built on time and cost(a fraction of) and will actually work.
Solved
To echo what a few comments touch on here, I'd personally view the wiring as not such a major mistake, even if it's solely for the electronic 'aware' Growler-lite capability (eg ALQ-218 wing tips).
Starting over, I'd contemplate as the last Anon also suggested and evaluate whether or not an all-in-one, 'automated' next-gen Elta /Rafael AEA pod (even for the F-18E) could be integrated on the center-line and be the more feasible option w/ less overall cost than buying the full Growler suite.
Going forward, perhaps RAAF could go ahead with the wing-tip 'lite' integration and leave any potential follow-on jamming decision for when NGJ might become an option in the next 5-7 years?
Remember the success of the Elta pod on the F111 at Red Flag
Uhhmm, $500 million to have apparently 6 jets (already wired mind you) converted to EA status and thats fiscally ok?
Aren't these the same operators "who know tactics" and told us emphatically "no" when a proposal was put forward to jointly operate a squadron of EF-111 Ravens with the USAF a few years ago? Which after all operated the same basic 99 set as fitted to the Growlers. Except that the EA-18G suffers from a lot of drag, less range, and lower speeds than the Raven. And the slightly uncomfortable issue of the ALQ-99 becoming redundant against a serious threat. Sure some jamming is better than none, just as long as you dont intend on getting into a tangle with anyone who has a half decent IADS.
Yeah a real big call for enthusiastic commentators, or people who can actually count.
Sounds like the DMO has their sticky little fingers all over this one.
Guaranteed to come in late, overpriced and a decade behind. And it will be obsolete.
Par for the course.
NJG will be built - it's actually on a semi-fast track. They have eliminated a competitive procurement process, and will go with one vendor.
You mean like with the F-35? Going with one vendor has worked out so well with that one!
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