(Defender in Tas) wrote in message . com...
[...]
However the long range of the F-111 means it can strike from bases
far out of range of any Indonsesian combat aircraft. Using F-18's
would mean either buying a LOT of tankers (wave goodbye to that
300 million) or putting them on bases within reach of the enemy.

Not if the Indonesians get the SU-27. They could strike Tindal and
Darwin from a number of air bases in the east of their nation. Where
would our F-111s be operating from?

Where the are now, Amberly?

I'm not against the idea of leasing F-15s till the JSF comes on line -
I just wonder about the cost. It may be a good move.

That depends on the likely threat. As of now Indonesia hasn't
much in the way of air assets to credibly threaten Australia
however it does have large numbers of bodies in areas
where Australia has strategic interests such as Timor
and New Guinea. On that basis a credible long range
strike asset seems a higher priority than boosting the
country's air defenses.

Point 1, Indonesia is planning to have significant air assets in the
near future, we should base our plans on that eventuality. Point 2,
From Tindal, Darwin and some of the bare bases the Hornets with AAR
support or not could operate over the areas you mentioned. They are
relatively close, particularly Timor. Point 3, If the Indonesians were
serious about re-invading ET then their best bet would be to strike
Darwin and Tindal to limit our response capability. Both were
absolutely essential to Interfet.

Has anyone actually considered the fact that Indonesia has the best AD
systems in our region?