SUPER HORNET BRIDGING AIR COMBAT CAPABILITY

Australia is assured of maintaining its air combat capability edge through the next decade with the Government’s decision to acquire 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi-role aircraft.

The Super Hornet is a highly capable, battle proven, multi-role aircraft that is currently in service with the US Navy through to 2030.  It will ensure our air combat capability edge is maintained through the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next decade.

Air combat capability is vital to defend the approaches to Australia and enables us to operate airpower on deployment overseas. Our air combat forces are a key part of enhancing our land and maritime forces. This was most ably displayed by the combat performance of our F/A-18 squadron in Iraq in 2003.

The total programme investment is approximately $6.6 billion over 13 years, which includes acquisition and all support costs as well as personnel. The acquisition component is           $3.9 billion for 24 aircraft, weapons, facilities upgrades and aircrew training.

Australian personnel will begin Super Hornet training in the United States in 2009. The withdrawal of the F-111 is expected in 2010 with the F/A-18F Super Hornets to be operational that same year.

The selection of the Super Hornet builds on the Royal Australian Air Force’s deep understanding of the current F/A-18 fleet. The Block II Super Hornet has considerable similarity in support, training and tactics to our current F/A-18 fleet and therefore allows a relatively low-risk transition for our current air combat force during a period when the Air Force is undergoing considerable change.

The Super Hornet will be based at RAAF Base Amberley. Negotiations for commercial support arrangements will commence immediately and local Industry participation will be a key factor in developing the through life support concepts for the Super Hornets. 

The Super Hornet provides Australia with the greatest capability enhancement and lowest risk option to ensure Australia’s air combat capability edge.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Why is this important?

•                 Ensure Australia’s air combat capability superiority is maintained through the transition to the JSF.

•                 Reduces the risk of the transition from the F-111 and F/A-18A/B to JSF by providing a combat ready, USN common, Super Hornet capability.

Who will benefit?

•                 Australian public through assuring the security of the nation.

•                 Air Force through the continued air combat capability edge as it reduces the risk of the transition from the F-111 and allows for an up-skilling of the maintenance workforce through the F/A-18F. 

•                 Industry as it provides opportunities to allow for an up-skilling of the workforce and brings growth of capability within the support and supply chains for low observable materials (stealth), advanced sensors and IT. Local Industry participation will be a key factor in the through-life support concept for the Super Hornet and other platforms to be based at Amberley.  It also provides certainty as well as opportunity for the F-111 workforce ahead of the introduction of the Joint Strike Fighter.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

•                 Full supplementation funding has been approved as part of the New Policy Proposal for this initiative.

What have we done in the past?

•                 Air combat capability has been maintained through the fleet of F-111 and F/A-18 aircraft. The F/A-18A/B aircraft are currently undergoing a series of upgrades to ensure their continuing viability.

When will the initiative conclude?

•                This will see an initial operational capability by end of year 2010 and full operational capability by end of year 2012 until 2020. Early next decade, Government will decide whether to extend the Super Hornet capability or proceed with another option as part of NACC Phase 2C.