We can go slightly further than last time and say it is the intention of the ADF never to fly Taipan helicopters again – they will sit on the ground until they are disposed of. Who is taking these decisions when the helicopters are fine to fly and we have potentially a horror bushfire season to come? Is anyone in charge?
Speaking of which, why is the Government’s response to the RAN surface ship review pushed out until early next year? It can’t be that difficult. Also it seems that the second hand Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines we might receive will have to be disposed of in Australia at huge cost and risk because our leaders lack the spine to ask the US to reconsider. This sort of automatic deference does Australia no good and is embarrassing on the world stage. If our own Minister won’t do it out of fear, ask Malcolm Turnbull to make the call on your behalf.
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I’ve been following your articles on the Taipan and Tiger Helicopters and I think you have missed the one thing that doomed them from the beginning, they aren’t made in the U.S. . Whether it’s the Government or the Top Brass in each of the services, the ADF seems obsessed with U.S purchases,to the exclusion of all else.
Correct. It seems that the greatest praise anyone in the ADF feels they can get is a pat on the head from the US. It certainly isn’t about the quality of equipment, let alone concepts such as self-reliance.