RubiconNZ
The Wanderer
‘TOP GUN’ COSTELLO PONDERS BUDGET SURPLUS OUTCOME:
A recent DIAR article which I can't reproduce (copyright) has discussed the Budget Surplus's burgeoning cash surplus ($18.1b) for the current financial year (compared to $14.8b forecast) Peter Costello recently visited RAAF Williamstown and took a ride in a FA-18, the government is about to undertake joint considerations of signing up to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Production Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) MOU with the United States.
My thinking is why not has a light thread where some spending of this additional money 3.3 Billion could be used for, it is pegged for major offshore purchases according to the articles. I'm thinking we could be coming up to some major acquisitions that are possibly not quite due for purchase. An example of this was the rapid procurement of the C17 (First aircraft due by year end) LP 17 has recently been moved forward after being moved back etc.
My thinking of possible additional spending:
Additional Abrams
1. Additional Patrol Vessels
2. Faster procurement of a med or long range UAV system etc.
3. Depending outcome of the JSF meetings perhaps an Interim Aircraft as to be honest pressure is mounting
4. Tomahawk missiles (or similar) for the AWD
5. A fourth AWD
6. A major overhaul of Military pay and recruiting, perhaps cash incentives for enlisting etc...
7. More Bushmasters! My First Preference
While there are other items eg additonal Wedgetails, Tigers, I don't forsee extra purchases untill they at least reach IOC.
The budget surplus and article has allowed scope for pretty major speculations and wish lists to be filled. It is nearly election year after all.
Enjoy...
A recent DIAR article which I can't reproduce (copyright) has discussed the Budget Surplus's burgeoning cash surplus ($18.1b) for the current financial year (compared to $14.8b forecast) Peter Costello recently visited RAAF Williamstown and took a ride in a FA-18, the government is about to undertake joint considerations of signing up to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Production Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) MOU with the United States.
My thinking is why not has a light thread where some spending of this additional money 3.3 Billion could be used for, it is pegged for major offshore purchases according to the articles. I'm thinking we could be coming up to some major acquisitions that are possibly not quite due for purchase. An example of this was the rapid procurement of the C17 (First aircraft due by year end) LP 17 has recently been moved forward after being moved back etc.
My thinking of possible additional spending:
Additional Abrams
1. Additional Patrol Vessels
2. Faster procurement of a med or long range UAV system etc.
3. Depending outcome of the JSF meetings perhaps an Interim Aircraft as to be honest pressure is mounting
4. Tomahawk missiles (or similar) for the AWD
5. A fourth AWD
6. A major overhaul of Military pay and recruiting, perhaps cash incentives for enlisting etc...
7. More Bushmasters! My First Preference
While there are other items eg additonal Wedgetails, Tigers, I don't forsee extra purchases untill they at least reach IOC.
The budget surplus and article has allowed scope for pretty major speculations and wish lists to be filled. It is nearly election year after all.
Enjoy...