BBadanov
24th Aug 2012, 05:59
Announced yesterday, 12 of the RAAF's F/A-18F Super Hornets are to be upgraded to EA-18G Growlers.
These 12 aircraft were modified with the Growler wiring looms while on the production line in 2010 in anticipation of upgrading to this capability. The IOC of 2018 is probably that late to ensure delivery of some strike JSFs.
Quote from msn:
RAAF chief Air Marshal Geoff Brown says it will probably represent the biggest strategic increase in Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability since the arrival of the F-111 strike bomber.
Under a deal worth $1.5 billion, Australia will equip 12 of the RAAF's Super Hornets, with initial operating capability to be achieved around 2018.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith says Growler is important even in the current tough budget situation.
"It provides a capacity to jam the communications system of an adversary, whether that adversary is a nation state or a non-state or ... a group of terrorists. This is a very important acquisition," he said.
Air Marshal Brown says Growler is a very profound addition to ADF.
"It has a role in a wide variety and spectrum of ADF operations and significantly decreases the risk to all land sea and air operations," he said.
"In my view it's probably the biggest strategic increase in the ADF's capability since we ordered the F-111."
These 12 aircraft were modified with the Growler wiring looms while on the production line in 2010 in anticipation of upgrading to this capability. The IOC of 2018 is probably that late to ensure delivery of some strike JSFs.
Quote from msn:
RAAF chief Air Marshal Geoff Brown says it will probably represent the biggest strategic increase in Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability since the arrival of the F-111 strike bomber.
Under a deal worth $1.5 billion, Australia will equip 12 of the RAAF's Super Hornets, with initial operating capability to be achieved around 2018.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith says Growler is important even in the current tough budget situation.
"It provides a capacity to jam the communications system of an adversary, whether that adversary is a nation state or a non-state or ... a group of terrorists. This is a very important acquisition," he said.
Air Marshal Brown says Growler is a very profound addition to ADF.
"It has a role in a wide variety and spectrum of ADF operations and significantly decreases the risk to all land sea and air operations," he said.
"In my view it's probably the biggest strategic increase in the ADF's capability since we ordered the F-111."