Article Posted on : - Jul 15, 2011

A file photo of RAAF Super Hornet fighters.

BRISBANE (BNS): The Australian Air Force on Friday received three new US-made F/A-18F Super Hornets, bringing the total number of such fighters in its fleet to 18.

The fourth batch of Boeing-made fighters, worth over 175 million AU dollars, landed at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland.

Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, while welcoming the new planes said, “The Super Hornet gives the Royal Australian Air Force the capability to conduct air-to-air combat; to strike targets on land and at sea; to suppress enemy air defences; and to conduct reconnaissance.”

The fighters have been delivered on budget and ahead of schedule because of the teamwork of the manufacturer Boeing, the US Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Defence Materiel Organisation, the minister said.

The Australian Government had signed a $6 billion deal with the US in 2007 to acquire 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.

The first 15 Super Hornets became operational on December 8, 2010, following the retirement of F-111 strike bombers.

A further six aircraft will be delivered by the end of the year, the Defence Ministry said.