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decided to acquire 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi role
aircraft to close a potential air combat capability gap that
could have opened in 2010, when current F-111 are retired and
2015, when JSF fighters are expected to be fully operational
in Australia. A dozen Super Hornets will be delivered starting
in 2009. The remaining twelve will be delivered in 2011. Full
Operational Capability is expected to be achieved by the end
of 2012, including full indigenous training, EW support, logistics
and full deployment capability.
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The Australian government will not divert money from JSF or
other defense programs, but support this acquisition by a special
supplemental funding. The projected spending will amount to
approximately A$6 billion over 10 years, including the aircraft
acquisition cost, training and logistical support. While stressing
full support for the JSF program, the Australian MOD explained
its decision by 'eliminating the risk to air combat and strike
capability during the transition to the JSF'. Current planning
is for Australia to acquire its first JSF in 2013, pending on
final Australian government approval expected in 2008. Will
Australia keep these Super Hornets or acquire a fourth JSF squadron,
thus streamlining its Air Force fleet? A final decision will
be made during the next decade.
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