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Govt considers $2b Defence aircraft stopgap
The Federal Government is considering a $2 billion back-up plan to replace the Air Force's aging F-111 fighter bombers while it waits for the controversial Joint Strike Fighter jets to be delivered.The Government says it remains committed to buying up to 100 Joint Strike Fighters for $16 billion, but they may not be delivered before the F-111s are retired. So the Government is considering buying 24 Super Hornets to cover any gap. Meanwhile, Labor is supporting the Government's $1 billion overhaul of military recruitment. Prime Minister John Howard says the Defence application process will be shortened and retention bonuses improved to attract more people and encourage them to stay. "In an era of low unemployment it is a very big task," he said. Chief of the Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy says the changes are needed. "In a very well performed economy where recruiting is difficult, we frankly need to do better in this area," he said. "Recruiting for many has taken too long and has been difficult and over-complicated." Posted by: Steve White 2006-12-15 |
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