Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is directed to Senator Faulkner, the Minister for Defence. Is the minister aware of the government’s commitment to acquire the F35 Joint Strike Fighter as set out in the 2009 Defence white paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific century: force 2030? Can the minister inform the Senate of steps the government has taken to implement this commitment?

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I can confirm that the government has approved the acquisition of the first 14 Joint Strike Fighters and the infrastructure and support required for initial training and testing, for delivery commencing in 2014, at an estimated cost of some $3.2 billion. This decision was underpinned by an unprecedented level of analysis and evaluation by Australia, the United States and the seven international Joint Strike Fighter partners. Australia’s air combat capability is of course of immense importance to our national security. That is why the previous Minister for Defence commissioned the air combat capability review early last year. The review informed the 2009 Defence white paper commitment to acquire around 100 F35 Joint Strike Fighters to replace the FA18 Hornets as the core of our future air combat capability.

The next batch of aircraft, to provide three operational squadrons and a training squadron, will be considered in 2012 and will fulfil our white paper commitment to acquire three operational squadrons comprising not fewer than 72 aircraft. Australia’s first operational squadron will be ready for operations in 2018. All three operational squadrons are planned to be in service in 2021. An additional operational squadron, bringing the total number of aircraft to around 100, will be considered at a later date.

Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister, for that answer. Mr President, I have a supplementary question. Can the minister further inform the Senate how the Joint Strike Fighter will enhance Australia’s air combat capability and allow Australia to maintain its regional air combat superiority?

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Forshaw for that supplementary question. The Joint Strike Fighter is a true fifth-generation multirole fighter. Its combination of stealth, advance sensors, networking and data fusion capabilities when integrated into the networked Australian Defence Force will ensure Australia maintains its strategic capability advantage out to 2030. It will also enable Australia to effectively contribute to regional security and enhance opportunities for interoperability and commonality to support future coalition operations. The capability of the JSF will be significantly enhanced with the associated acquisitions of the multirole tanker transport aircraft and Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister advise whether the government is aware of reports of United States government reviews into the JSF risks? What is the government’s view of risk in the joint strike fighter program?

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government welcomes ongoing review of the JSF program, including by the United States government. It is clear that the United States is absolutely committed to making the joint strike fighter succeed. Defence will maintain close and regular contact with the United States in its ongoing reviews. Outcomes and information from reviews to date have been factored into our planning to ensure that we can deal with all realistic risks. Of course, cost and schedule risks will remain as the joint strike fighter is developed. However, any risks will be carefully measured, mitigated and managed to ensure that the Australian Defence Force has leading edge capability.