Andrew Wilkie (Denison, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence. Minister, Australia plans to purchase as many as 100 Joint Strike Fighters at a cost of $16 billion, but the US program is deeply troubled by cost overruns, capability shortfalls and schedule slippage. US Senator John McCain has dubbed it a train wreck while you have said the program is rubbing up against Australia's cost and schedule limits. Minister, this program is vital to Australia's security in light of our retired F111s, ageing FA18s and limited Super Hornets. The 14 JSF we have committed to buy will not fill the gap. What are our cost and schedule limits, and what is plan B?

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