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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.

“And a fast jet like the F-16 or F-35 cannot provide the close air support required of the ground troops. “

Its not because they are fast. Its because F-16s and F-35s have short range and carry far less weapon load. In Gulf War I a fast jet like the Jaguar was among the most successful strike aircraft. Israel used used Mirages and Kfirs and have busted more tanks then most countries. India used the Mirage 2000 to drop LGBs and PGMs on mujahedeen bunkers at a height of 16000 ft in Kargil (among the most difficult targets to identify). Its all a matter of skill and training.

The A-10 are useful where the enemy has overwhelming numbers on the ground and there is a large territory to cover. Its an attractive option for a country like India that has a long border with a massive China. It would be very useful to provide air cover for our troops and supply lines especially in the North East given the forest cover and the vast terrain to defend. Only problem is its too costly for an operation even attack helos can perform.

In Australia’s case ....... Australia wont face a land invasion. Any attack would be on sea or air. Aerial and Naval targets can easily be engaged by the JSF or even F-16s. And if you are considering penetrating enemy airspace and taking out their air defense systems, that would require long range standoff and land attack cruise missiles for which the JSF can act as a delivery platform. A loud noisy gatling gun is of little use and it will be greeted not with ground fire but with SAMs.