This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Australia’s next-generation jet fighter has been labelled a “jackass of all trades and masterful of none”.

Air Power Australia, an independent military and policy thinktank, is dismissive of the plan to acquire 72 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighters from the US.

What are these so-called minor technical issues with this extremely cool looking F-35 jet? | First Dog on the Moon Read more

“Blue sky marketing” was overshadowing big problems with the aircraft, the group’s head, Peter Goon, told the Canberra hearing of a Senate inquiry investigating the acquisition on Tuesday.

“It has all the hallmarks of a Ponzi scheme,” he said.

“When the product fails, recruit as many clients as you can, promote the product as loudly as you can, keep the cash flowing for as long as the market remains blind to its failure.”

The aircraft was also a risk to the Anzus alliance – Australia’s security pact with the US.

Goon described the aircraft’s computer system as a “digital dog leash”.

Australia is scheduled to bring its first two planes home in 2018. Up to 26 fighters are expected to be operational in 2020, and the number is expected to reach up to 72 by 2023. The project has a $17bn price tag.

Production has been riddled with delays and budget blowouts, as well as problems related to flying during times of lightning and extreme heat.

Chris Mills, a retired wing commander, said Australia would never achieve regional air superiority with the F-35.

The Sir Richard Williams Foundation took an opposing view, saying the aircraft was unique, revolutionary and represented a generational change.

Radar glitch requires F-35 fighter jet pilots to turn it off and on again Read more

The former RAAF chief Errol J McCormack said the F-35 was the only viable candidate that would meet the full range of Australia’s air superiority needs in 2025 and beyond.

But he acknowledged that Lockheed Martin gave thousands of dollars in sponsorship to fund his organisation’s seminars.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute director of research, Andrew Davies, said the F-35 was still the RAAF’s best choice for air combat capability.

“There is a small but vocal cadre of F-35 opponents who seize upon any bad news as a sure sign that the program is a colossal error,” he told the inquiry.

The hearing continues.