Fitzgibbon keen on US F-22 Raptors
Posted 4 hours 16 minutes ago
The US Government has not flagged the F-22s for sale, but there may be a chance Australia could purchase a modified version. (File photo) (Reuters)
Related Story: Gates to lobby US Congress over Raptors: Fitzgibbon
The Federal Defence Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, has signalled his interest in acquiring the United States fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor.
In February, Mr Fitzgibbon said Secretary of Defence Robert Gates would lobby the US Congress on behalf of Australia to secure a sale of the highly-advanced fighter plane.
The US Government has not made the F-22 available for sale, but some Australian defence experts believe it may be willing to sell a modified version.
Mr Fitzgibbon has told Channel Nine the F-22 might be a good option, given possible delays in the arrival of another fighter jet, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
"I'm more than interested in having a look at the F-22," he said.
"Particularly when none of us know now when the F-35 - that is the JSF - will be delivered, is it now 2015 or is it now 2020?"
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/23/2197028.htm
