[Yo-Yo]

The F-35 will be adequate as long as close in dogfighting is avoided. I'll bet with Australian pilot training and an F-35 over PLAAF pilot training and the Su-30.

However, Australia also needs long range over water, and the single engine F-35 isn't the best choice. Nor is the SuperHornet with it's short range.

The F-15K with AESA radar would have been a much better choice for an interim air superiority fighter than the SuperHornet, and a much better replacement for the F-111 in the maritime interdiction role.

I can't imagine the SuperHornet cost that much less than the F-15K, and since so much of the SuperHornet is unique from the older and smaller (A)F/A-18A/Bs that Australia flies, commonality isn't a real argument in the SuperHornet's favor, either.

[DirtyPigpen]

“The F-15K with AESA radar would have been a much better choice for an interim air superiority fighter than the SuperHornet, and a much better replacement for the F-111 in the maritime interdiction role.”

I agree & we should sell them our old F15’s & F14’s.

[Gengis Khan]

“I’ll bet with Australian pilot training and an F-35 over PLAAF pilot training and the Su-30.”

I wont. And PLAAF is still far away. Their more immidiate concern would be the Indonesian F-16s, F-5s and Su-30s.

[Gengis Khan]

And add to that even Malaysian airforce has the F/A-18 hornets, F-5s, Mig 29s and Su-30MKMs.