The decision wasn't the military's from what I understand: if our Aussie friends on the board can add to it, feel free to do so, but my understanding is that the RNZAF was going to buy 18 F-16s that had been built for Pakistan, but embargoed in the early '90s. However, before the planes could be refurbished and delivered, there was an election down there, and the new govt., looking to save money, canned the buy and disbanded the one remaining A-4 squadron. The USN wound up getting the F-16s and the Strike Warfare Center at NAS Fallon has 'em for DACT. When the embargo was lifted after 9-11 and before OEF got going, the PAF simply decided to order brand new Block 52 F-16s.
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Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect, but always have a plan to kill them.
Old USMC Adage
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