New lease of life for RAAF Hornets + V

Story and visuals by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI

THE RAAF has extended the shelf life of its F/A 18-F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets another five years.
 And it has given the $600m contract to Boeing Defence Australia which will maintain and upgrade the aircraft until 2030.
 The RAAF operates 24 F/A-18Fs with 1 Squadron, and 12 Growlers with 6 Squadron, at RAAF Base Amberley.

 They were initially bought as a long-term stop-gap to replace the F-111C while waiting for the often-delayed F-35 to be introduced.
 The Hornets were introduced in 2010 when the F-111 was retired and the Growler entered service in 2017.
 Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “The Albanese Government knows the most valuable Defence asset we have are our people. That’s why we’re investing in over 350 highly skilled local jobs and delivering on our commitment to ensure Australia has a robust Defence industry.

 “In a time of escalating global tensions, maintaining top-tier aircraft and a highly skilled local workforce is paramount. This contract extension fortifies our preparedness for any potential challenges.
 “A strong Defence industry is also crucial to protecting Australians and their interests, as well as contributing to regional stability.
 “I commend Boeing Defence Australia and all Defence industry partners involved with the maintenance and sustainment of the Super Hornet and Growler fleets.”

 Defence workers will oversee the engineering, maintenance and project management for the sustainment and upgrade of the fleets.
 The Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract with Boeing Defence Australia began on July 1, 2016, for five years until it was extended.
  This is the second contract extension and takes the overall contract value to $1.2 billion.
  The contract extension comes as the EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack capability reaches its final operational capability. the RAAF’s Airborne Electronic Attack capability comprises of 12 EA-18G Growler aircraft, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System and AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles.