Australian Government could easily save $26 billion

As the 100th F35 Joint strike fighter is about to roll off the Lockheed Martin production line in the US there are still huge misgivings about cost overruns and the jet's lack of performance. Australia is still committed to pay $25 billion for 72 of the planes even though none of the models built so far is operational. The F35 can fly only on sunny days. It can't fly in clouds, or near lightning or at night so it will be almost useless as an addition to Australia's air defence and attack capabilities. So why haven't our politicians followed Canada's lead and cancelled the order? three Air Warfare Destroyers are also being built for the navy at a total cost of more than $9 billion, not to mention the $50 billion French submarine contract! Military spending is unfettered by tight fiscal conditions. Schools and healthcare are not priorities.

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