[Gengis Khan]

A-10 is a sitting duck in an air space that heavily guarded by enemy interceptors and ground based SAMs. A-10 in the USAF typically operate in an environment where complete air superiority over enemy air space has already been established and there is no opposition to the A-10s wheather on ground or air.

That kinda complete air superiority is difficult to establish unless you have overwhelming superiority over your enemy in terms of numbers and technology. Thats not something Australia has. It would make more sense to buy multi-role aircraft that can do a combination of ground strikes and air defense.

The Mig 23 is useless but the Flankers are formidable. The F-15s are fast becoming outdated and would at best just hold ground against the Sukhois. Australia doesnt have much options.

[Yo-Yo]

A-10 is a sitting duck in an air space that heavily guarded by enemy interceptors and ground based SAMs. A-10 in the USAF typically operate in an environment where complete air superiority over enemy air space has already been established and there is no opposition to the A-10s wheather on ground or air.

And a fast jet like the F-16 or F-35 cannot provide the close air support required of the ground troops. The U.S. found that out rather quickly in Gulf War I when the concept was to have "A-16s" replace A-10s, only to find out that the F-16 jocks flew too fast to be able to visually identify targets.

Also, with it's redundant manual flight control systems, titanium bath tub, and engine placement, the A-10 is designed to absorb more ground fire than the F-16 or F-35 ever will. Yeah, sure, the U.S. only operates them in areas of total air superiority because we are so risk adverse these days.

However, if an all out world war with China were to occur, the U.S. will send in an A-10 for close air support, and if necessary also send in F-16s, F-35s, or F-22s to fly MigCAP (or SuCAP) over them.