Australia will extend the service life of its F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers to 2040, observing that the two types complement the F-35A.
Canberra revealed its plan for the types in its Integrated Investment Program document, which outlines its goals for a broad range of defence capabilities.
It observes the value of the super Hornet’s “large and diverse” weapons capacity, which helps support the F-35A.
As for the EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, it notes the type’s ability to support a broad spectrum.
“The F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler will be provided with lethality and survivability upgrades.”
The document does not provide investment figures for the Super Hornet but indicates that the total planned investment in the F-35A over the next decade will be between $A4.3-5.3 billion ($2.75-3.4 billion), with investment in the EA-18G between A$3.8-4.3 billion.
Long-range strike capabilities are a priority across domains. This will see the AGM-158C LRASM integrated with Australia’s F/A-18Fs, F-35As, and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The AGM-158 JASSM will also equip the F/A-18F and F-35A. The F-35A will also get the AGM-88E AARGM-ER, as will the EA-18G.
Finally, the F/A-18F will receive hypersonic weapons that will allow to engage targets at longer ranges.
Looking forward, Australia will continue to develop and assess the MQ-28A Ghost Bat unmanned combat aircraft as well as other systems. In the coming decade, it foresees investment of A$4.3-5.3 billion in uncrewed capabilities.
ISR is also a high priority, with Canberra investing in two new capabilities: the MQ-4C Triton unmanned air vehicle and the Gulfstream MC-55A Peregrine.
“The Integrated Investment Program includes investment of A$28-33 billion in capabilities... The release coincided with Australia’s new National Defence Strategy document.
The strategy document states that Australia’s strategic environment is at its most challenging point since the Second World War. “Entrenched and increasing strategic competition between the United States and China is a primary feature of our security environment,” states the document.
“It is being accompanied by an unprecedented conventional and non-conventional military build-up in our region, taking place without strategic reassurance or transparency. The challenges to regional stability and prosperity arising from this competition are being compounded by a range of other security risks, including climate change, grey-zone activities and technological advancements.”
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/au ... 98.article