A man owns the most advanced private air force after buying 46 F/A-18s (thedrive.com)

Article summary

Don Kirlin, the owner of Air USA, has purchased 46 F/A-18 Hornets from the Royal Australian Air Force to be used for contractor adversary air support in the United States. The aircraft will be used to provide training for US military fighter pilots, replicating aerial threats from potential enemy nations. The purchase includes all of the RAAF's F/A-18 spare parts inventory and test equipment, valued at over a billion dollars. The jets will be operated by Air USA, a company that provides advanced flight combat training to the US military.

Main themes

• private military companies
• defense contracting
• aircraft sales
• national security
• regulation and oversight
• business and economics

What commenters say

• The idea of a private company owning such advanced military hardware raises concerns about the potential for misuse or falling into the wrong hands.
• The sale of these aircraft to a private company is a normal part of the defense contracting process and is subject to strict regulations and oversight.
• The cost of maintaining and operating such advanced aircraft is prohibitively expensive for most private entities, making it unlikely that they would be used for malicious purposes.
• The company's business model is to provide a service to the US military, and the purchase of these aircraft is a legitimate business investment.
• Some commenters are skeptical of the idea of private companies owning and operating military aircraft, citing concerns about accountability and transparency.
• Others argue that the company's ownership of these aircraft is a result of a legitimate business deal and that the US government has strict controls in place to prevent the misuse of such hardware.
• The purchase of these aircraft by a private company highlights the complexities and nuances of the defense contracting industry.
• The ability of a private company to acquire and operate such advanced military hardware raises questions about the boundaries between public and private power.