By Franz-Stefan Gady
The upgrades further cement Australia’s strategic relationship with the United States.
Last week, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of equipment, parts, and logistical support for Australia’s fleet of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.
According to the DSCA press release:
The sustainment efforts will include software and hardware updates, Engineering Change Proposals, System Configuration upgrades, system integration and testing, engine component improvement, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, aircrew trainer devices upgrades, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
Furthermore, the DSCA website notes:
The proposed sale of follow-on sustainment support and services will enable the Royal Australian Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 fleet. The follow-on support will allow Australia to maintain aircraft availability/operational rates, and enhance interoperability with the U.S. and other nations.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) acquired 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, which were bought “commercial-off-the-shelf,” bypassing the usual drawn out acquisition process, in 2011. The planes are expected to be in service beyond 2040, unless the Australian government wants to replace the Hornets with the much anticipated Lockheed-Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) around 2030.
Read the full story at The Diplomat