THE RAAF's 24 Super Hornet aircraft, plus possibly another 24, are
set to play a central role in Australia's air defences for the foreseeable
future.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said it had now become clear to all that the
Super Hornets were much more than simply a transition capability.
Initially acquired as a bridging force to cover the gap between the
retirement of elderly F-111 strike bombers in 2010 and the delayed arrival of
the Joint Strike Fighters (JSF), Super Hornets now operate alongside the JSF in
a mixed fleet.
This stems from the acquisition of the Growler electronic warfare version of
Super Hornet, launched in 2008 by then defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon and
confirmed in August when the government gave the go-ahead to equip 12 aircraft
with this very advanced capability.
"So we are now not just looking at Super Hornets as transition, but looking
at the longer-term potential of Super Hornets and Growler and Joint Strike
Fighters essentially as a mixed fleet," Mr Smith told reporters in Perth.
Announcing the acquisition of 24 Super Hornets in March 2007, then coalition
defence minister Brendan Nelson said he envisaged selling them back to the US in
2020 and acquiring a fourth squadron of JSF.
It now appears the RAAF may have only a single JSF squadron by 2020.
Analysts said the Growler acquisition meant Super Hornet was here to
stay.
Australia is looking to buy up to 100 of the advanced JSF aircraft as the
RAAF's principal combat aircraft from around 2020. So far it's firmly committed
to take delivery of just two in 2014. The next 12 are expected to reach
Australia around 2020.
JSF has experienced delays and technical problems and may be further delayed.
The RAAF'S 71 legacy F/A-18 Hornets entered service from 1985 and were
initially slated for retirement from around 2010. Their life has been extended
to around 2020.
In an update on Australia's future air combat capability, Mr Smith said the
government had assessed a transition plan prepared by defence, leaving its
options open except the one to proceed immediately to buy JSF.
Mr Smith said the options including buying 24 more Super Hornets on top of 24
already in service.
Australia was now seeking the latest information on cost and availability of
more Super Hornets by way of the US Foreign Military Sales program
Read more:
RAAF Super Hornets are for long term:Smith | News.com.au