AUSTRALIA will buy 24 Boeing Super Hornets for $6 billion, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said today.Dr Nelson said the acquisition would ensure a safe transition to the F35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) over the next decade. He said the Government was able to do this because of its solid economic management and budget surplus.
"The JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia's future combat and strike needs," Dr Nelson said. "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."
Under current defence plans, ageing F-111 strike bombers will be retired soon after 2010. The Hornet will fill the fighter and bomber role until the arrival of the Lockheed F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter in the 2014-15 time frame.