David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 21 March 2011:

As at 31 December 2010 (QON 503) and 30 June 2011 (QON 779):

(1)   With reference to the acquisition of the first 14 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft:

(a)   what is the expected expenditure on the acquisition;

(b)   what is supplied as equipment, supporting systems, weapons, services or infrastructure to the Australian Defence Force (ADF);

(c)   when will these aircraft be delivered;

(d)   when will they become fully operational; and

(e)   what is the estimated through-life support and operating costs for these aircraft over an expected 30 year period of operation.

(2)   When will the remaining 86 F-35 JSF be purchased (as referenced in the Defence White Paper 2009, p. 78, paragraph 9.60, 'The Government has decided that it will acquire around 100 F-35 JSF, along with supporting systems and weapons. The first stage of this acquisition will acquire three operational squadrons comprising not fewer than 72 aircraft').

(3)   With reference to the acquisition of the remaining 86 F-35 JSF aircraft:

(a)   what is the expected expenditure on the acquisition;

(b)   what will be supplied as equipment, supporting systems, weapons, services or infrastructure to the ADF;

(c)   when will the aircraft be delivered;

(d)   when will they become fully operational;

(e)   where will the JSF squadrons be based, and when; and

(f)   what is the estimated through-life support and operating costs over an expected 30 year period of operation.

(4)   What savings would be made by cancelling the purchase of 24 F-35 JSF aircraft and purchasing 24 Super Hornets.