PARAS & ROYAL MARINES TO MERGE??

[Paul S.]

... we as an island surrounded by sea do not posses an aircraft carrier for fixed wing aircraft even though we have aircraft that can use one, I think our newest one uses choppers a chopper is ok if your hunting a sub I guess.
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I view all the statements made on defense spending by any Govt past/present or future as circumspect they love taking our taxes but the disparity is perks verses equipment......the soldier deserves the very best of everything a country can give him/her as they are the ones putting themselves in harms way give them the best chance of eliminating the enemy and coming home to their loved ones again.

Mate, my eldest granddaughter's husband was an engineering officer in HMAS CANBERRA. He told me that the flight deck isn't strong enough for the weight (and landing force) anything but helicopters. That means that helicopter gunships with their limited linger, range and capability would the only close air support an opposed landing could expect if the ship was operating independently and beyond the range of land based RAAF close air support.