\u201cIt\u2019s certainly the policy of the current Government to work more closely with Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tomorrow, two F-35As will practise attacks \u2013 co-ordinated by the New Zealand Army \u2013 in the Waiouru Military Training Area.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s probably a good thing for both sides to get to know each other,\u201d Hoadley said.<\/p>\n
On whether New Zealand would get its own combat aircraft again, Hoadley said there were \u201cno rumours, no aspirations, certainly no budget\u201d.<\/p>\n
Air & Space Forces magazine last week said the latest F-35 unit cost was about US$92m ($156m).<\/p>\n
In May 2001, the Government announced disbandment of the RNZAF air combat arm.<\/p>\n
New Zealand\u2019s Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb said this week\u2019s exercises included the RAAF establishing an overseas forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) for the first time outside Australia.<\/p>\n
The FARP at Ohakea will be a temporary facility.<\/p>\n
Such facilities typically provided fuel and ammunition closer to a combat zone than a force\u2019s home base.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems odd because New Zealand is not in the direction of a major challenge, which means China of course,\u201d Hoadley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought they might go up to the Philippines, which is frontline now.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the US Navy had an enhanced presence in the Philippines and was trying to keep China \u201cbottled up\u201d in the South China Sea.<\/p>\n
On the F-35 Lightning II visit to New Zealand, Hoadley said he could not recall a similar earlier example.<\/p>\n
The New Zealand Defence Force said it would be the first such visit.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe it\u2019s an attempt by Australia to practise its long-range deployment.\u201d<\/p>\n
He suggested the exercise might help Australia project power at distance.<\/p>\n
The Australian Defence Force described the F-35A Lightning II as a highly advanced multi-role, supersonic, fifth-generation stealth fighter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the most often purchased,\u201d Hoadley said, referring to currently operating advanced combat aircraft.<\/p>\n
Polish Air Force F-35 fighter jets – pictured at the aircraft’s official entry into service in June this year. Photo \/ AFP<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are more of them in advanced air forces around the world than any other.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the F-35 had some rivals, with some cheaper, but none widely regarded as being more capable.<\/p>\n
Hoadley said some nations were developing sixth generation fighters.<\/p>\n
None are yet operational.<\/p>\n
He said the F-35 was \u201cthe fighter of choice, if you can afford it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Potential rivals might include a \u201cChinese knock-off\u201d or Russian Sukhoi but buying an F-35 came with strings attached.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t on-sell it, you can\u2019t talk about its secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Political turmoil could also affect F-35 sales. <\/p>\n
Canadian media last week reported Canada was reviewing a contract for 72 of the aircraft after the tariffs dispute with the United States flared. <\/p>\n
Hoadley said the Canadians were considering a Swedish-made alternative which was \u201c95% as good\u201d and a little cheaper, and with fewer political obligations attached.<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s Globe and Mail newspaper on Thursday said Sweden\u2019s Saab was intensely pitching to sell its Gripen jets to Canada.<\/p>\n
F-35 operators are all US allies and Lockheed Martin of the US is the lead F-35 contractor.<\/p>\n
The RNZAF said the visit was an exciting opportunity for New Zealand to work with some of the most advanced warfighting technology in the world.<\/p>\n
After the Waiouru exercises, the jets will have rehearsed interceptions with RNZAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft<\/a>.<\/p>\n The stealth fighters will return to Australia on Thursday.<\/p>\n Webb said the exercise reflected both air forces\u2019 desire to build joint operational strength in support of regional security and global stability.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the key objectives we have set in working together is to enhance our operational readiness by conducting combined exercises which develop shared combat capability.\u201d<\/p>\nA Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Photo \/ NZDF<\/p>\n