I caught this on AOL Defense...
Let me say that again...Wow!
I always thought it but never heard a news organization say it out loud...Singapore intends to acquire the F-35B and S. Korea might do the same....
Something tells me that the USMC won't be buying that full allotment of F-35C's after all! But perhaps the most interesting part of the story is the part which talks about using the F-35 as the link in an ISR net stretching across the Pacific.
This has been a fantastic couple of weeks for the F-35 and this just adds to the good news...
Wow.Thirdly, the F-35 is a significant ISR asset. The Aussies can build ISR collection facilities, which can leverage the entire allied FLEET of F-35s operating in a regional security setting. They can use such facilities to shape an approach to link other allied ISR assets to establish a "honeycomb" network or grid along the Pacific Rim.
Singapore intends to acquire the VSTOL F-35Bs and perhaps put them aboard ships as well, and South Korea might well do the same. By working with Singapore and South Korea, and the Navy/Marine Amphibious Ready Groups, Australia could work on how best to do airfield protection using joint assets such as Aegis and F-35Bs on land in bunkered and EMP shielded revetments in case of severe runway damage.
Such an Australian hub could be a key element in shaping a new Pacific strategy. For the U.S. and its allies crafting a scalable force, one which can leverage one another's assets across the vast expanses of the Pacific, is crucial. Since no platform fights alone, an allied FLEET of F-35s is a key lynchpin for shaping such a scalable force.And by shaping a mix of hubs and bases, a honeycomb of force capability could be built for US and allied forces. Diversifying the location of hubs, facilities and bases is crucial not only for the US but its allies and partners. Looking at how to leverage new systems to enhance diversification is a key opportunity to deal with the multiplicity of threats in the Pacific and reduce the capability of an aggressor to concentrate force.
Let me say that again...Wow!
I always thought it but never heard a news organization say it out loud...Singapore intends to acquire the F-35B and S. Korea might do the same....
Something tells me that the USMC won't be buying that full allotment of F-35C's after all! But perhaps the most interesting part of the story is the part which talks about using the F-35 as the link in an ISR net stretching across the Pacific.
This has been a fantastic couple of weeks for the F-35 and this just adds to the good news...