“The RAAF Super Hornet will bring a new generation of air power to Australia,” said Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Head Air Combat Transition Office, RAAF . “Its advanced, networked weapons system will deliver enhanced air combat capability across the spectrum of air-to-air, strategic land attack and maritime strike, which is so important for Australia. It is a true multirole aircraft and there’s a lot of excitement on the ground in the Air Combat Group about its arrival.”
The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the F/A-18F multirole fighters, making that country the first international Super Hornet customer.
“The roll out of the first RAAF Block II Super Hornet is an important and exciting milestone for all of the Australian and U.S. team members, who have accomplished a great deal of significant work to make this event possible, said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18 program manager, PMA-265. “Our long and successful relationship has been mutually beneficial during the RAAF classic Hornet program and taking this next logical step with the acquisition of the Super Hornet is a win-win for both nations. The Super Hornet’s inherent tactical capabilities and ability to force multiply speak for themselves.”
The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 395 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.