Air Force

Australia's air force must give the government a plan of action, for their future, by 2006. This plan must cope with a new style of war, particularly post September 11, and the increasing demands made by Government.

Australia's Air Force is facing the most costly dilemma in its history. It's about to scrap 71 fighters and 33 long range bombers.

The biggest problem facing the RAAF is hanging on to its best people. The RAAF has just under 13,500 men and women who work as pilots, research scientists, engineers and skilled tradespeople.

The realities of 'command and control', combat and weapon systems. This episode reveals the RAAF's ability to keep largely outdated aircrafts flying. It explores the multi-billion dollar choices that confront the RAAF. They have to decide what will replace its jets and bombers. It might be the stealth bombers like the F22 Raptor, or unmanned aircraft like the Global Hawk.

The era of the fighter pilot will be over by 2050. In the last decade wars have erupted in Central Asia, the Middle East and Central Europe.