From Defense Aerospace

 

Joint Strike Fighter

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Feb. 1, 2007)

 

Australia says it may lease 24 F-18Es as a stop-gap solution pending delivery of its JSFs.

Australia’s planned acquisition of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) remains on track. Initial Operational Capability of the first squadron of JSF is expected in 2014/2015.

 

In December I signed on behalf of the Australian Government the JSF Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

 

The full complement of JSF will be phased in over the next decade.

 

Statements that JSF will be far less capable than initially thought are simply incorrect. There has been no reduction in the ability of the JSF to conduct its full range of air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

 

The F-22 is clearly extremely capable in air-to-air roles, but its air-to-surface capabilities do not cover the full range of roles required by Australia.

 

Defence assessments show that the JSF will allow Australia to maintain its regional capability edge well into the future.

 

Claims that the JSF’s electro-optical capability “only worked in clear skies” are misleading. It is a simple fact of physics that all electro-optic systems work only in relatively clear skies. This characteristic relates to all aircraft and all systems, not just the JSF.

 

For all-weather target detection the JSF will use its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the world's most advance radar in a fighter aircraft.

 

There is no proposal to extend the life of the F-111 to the year 2020. The F-111 will be withdrawn in the 2010 to 2012 timeframe. The decision on the exact timing will be made soon.

 

Australia will not accept an air combat capability shortfall during the transition to the JSF. A risk mitigation strategy being analysed is to obtain 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to ensure Australia’s air combat capability edge is maintained.

 

Our analysis supports the original assessment that the JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia’s needs.

From Defense Aerospace

 

Pentagon Notifies Congress of Sale of 24 F-18Es to Australia

(Source: defense-aerospace.com; issued Feb. 7, 2007)

 

PARIS --- The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress on Feb. 6 that it is proposing to sell 24 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft to Australia, in a deal valued at $3.1 billion including related equipment and services.

 

The announcement comes only days after Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said in a Feb. 1 statement that “A risk mitigation strategy being analysed is to obtain 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to ensure Australia’s air combat capability edge is maintained” pending delivery of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Initial Operational Capability of the first squadron of JSF is expected in 2014/2015, Nelson said, adding that despite widespread criticism “our analysis supports the original assessment that the JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia’s needs.”

 

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement said that, in addition to the 24 F-18Es, Australia has requested 48 installed and 6 spare engines as well as the following equipment and weapons:

 

- 24 AN/APG-79 radar systems

- 24 AN/USQ-140 Multifunctional Informational Distribution System Low Volume Terminals

- 30 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electric Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Sets

- 145 LAU-127 Guided Missile Launchers

- 30 AN/PVS-9 night vision goggles

- Integration of the AN/ALE-47 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Systems

- 12 Joint Mission Planning Systems

- AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoys.

 

“Also included are system integration and testing, software development/integration, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, maintenance and pilot training, software support, publications and technical documents," the DSCA statement said.

 

The DSCA has not yet posted the statement on its website. It will be added to this page as soon as it becomes available.

From Defense Aerospace

 

A$6 Billion to Maintain Australia’s Regional Air Superiority

(Source: Australian Minister for Defence; issued March 6, 2007)

 

Australian Minister for Defence Brendan Nelson cites AvWeek to justify his A$6bn plan to buy 24 F-18F Super Hornets as a stop-gap solution. (Australian DoD news photo)

 

Australia is assured of maintaining its air combat capability edge with the Government’s decision to acquire 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi role aircraft. At a cost of approximately $6 billion over 10 years, the acquisition of the Super Hornet will ensure the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next decade.

 

The acquisition will include 24 aircraft, initial support and upfront training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

 

The Howard Government has delivered solid economic management and Budget surpluses over a decade. We are now in a position to deliver this for Australia. The acquisition of the Super Hornets will be fully supplemented as part of the 2007/08 Budget process.

 

The JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia’s future combat and strike needs. Australia remains fully committed to the JSF. But the Government is not prepared to accept any risk to air combat and strike capability during the transition to the JSF.

 

The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a highly capable, battle proven, multi role aircraft that is currently in service with the US Navy through to 2030. The next generation Block II Super Hornets will provide a more flexible operational capability than currently exists with the F-111.

 

Only last week Aviation Week reported “Supporters of the design say it will give the Block II Boeing built Navy aircraft a fifth-generation capability similar to that of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Hornet’s electronic attack capabilities could become even more sophisticated with additional modifications.” – Aviation Week 26 February, 2007

 

It is anticipated that Australian personnel will begin Super Hornet training in the United States in 2009.

 

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 will provide Air Force with the flexibility to assign all air combat crew and technical personnel across a relatively common fleet during the transition to the JSF.

 

The Super Hornet will be based at RAAF Base Amberley. Negotiations for commercial support arrangements will commence immediately. Defence is already engaged with Boeing and the United States Navy to ensure that the maximum potential of Australian Industry Involvement is achieved. Local Industry participation will be a key factor in developing the through life support concepts for the Super Hornets.

 

The Australian Super Hornet program plans to contain local contractor owned and operated intermediate maintenance and training for aircrew and support personnel. Additionally, the supply chain infrastructure, warehousing and operation will be manned locally in support of both Australian and US Navy Super Hornets in the region.

 

The selection of a next generation fighter allows for upskilling of the workforce. The Super Hornet brings a significant growth of capability within the support and supply chain, low observable materials (stealth), advanced sensors and IT. This will ensure that Australian industry is trained, qualified and has access to both USN and then JSF markets as they share common technologies.

 

This in no way diminishes our commitment to the JSF Program subject to final Government approval in 2008. Current planning is for Australia to acquire its first JSF in 2013.

 

There is no gap in Australia’s air combat capability and the Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure a gap does not emerge.

 

Air combat capability is vital to defend the approaches to Australia and enables us to operate air power 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 Australian Government is committed to retaining the leading edge in air combat and the Block II Super Hornet will enable this through the next decade.

 

The F-111 has been a stalwart aircraft at the centre of Australia's strike capability for over three decades. The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, a pilot with around 2500 hours flying F-111’s, said it is important for Australia to retire the F-111 at a time of our choosing. This ensures that the men and women who operate them are not endangered through the risks of an aging platform.

 

The withdrawal of the F-111 is expected in 2010 with the F/A-18F Super Hornets to be operational that same year.

 

Many generations of Air Force personnel and Defence civilians will be sad to see the F-111 withdrawn from service in 2010. The Government acknowledges the tireless efforts and professionalism of personnel at Amberley who have maintained this vital element of Australia's Defence. The immense experience base from decades of F-111 service will boost the new air combat capability in the coming decade.

 

Our nation is grateful to those who gave Australia this magnificent aircraft, those who have flown and maintained it and who will do so for a further three years.

 

With the C-17 and KC-30B tanker refuelling aircraft also to be based out of Amberley, as well as the Wedgetail AEW&C support centre, the region is well placed to capitalise on these significant aerospace industry involvement opportunities.

 

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

Broadcast quality vision of the F/A-18 Super Hornet will be sent to television networks at Parliament House.

Sounds like a good plan for Australia, and hopefully will help a little bit with commonality with their old F-18s.

From Defense Aerospace

 

Super Hornet Acquisition Contract Signed

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued May 3, 2007)

 

Defence has established the first contract valued at approximately AUD$2.9bn with the United States Navy for the acquisition of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets and associated support systems. Additional cases will be established later this year for weapons acquisition and sustainment of the aircraft.

 

The total program investment is approximately $6 billion over 10 years, which includes acquisition and all support costs as well as personnel. 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 F/A-18F Super Hornet is a highly capable, battle proven, multi role aircraft that is currently in service with the US Navy through to 2030 and will ensure our air combat capability edge is maintained through the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next decade.

 

The Block II Super Hornet has considerable similarity in support, training and tactics to our current fleet of F/A-18 and therefore allows a relatively rapid and low risk transition for our current air combat force.

 

The Super Hornet will be based at RAAF Base Amberley. Local Industry participation will be a key factor in developing the through life support concepts for the Super Hornets. Defence is engaged with the USN to ensure that the maximum potential of Australian Industry Involvement is achieved.