But neither matches the capabilities of Russia’s newer4.5-generation Su-35 fighter, nor Russia’s extremely powerful (if indiscrete) Irbis-E radar. Compared to Ukraine’s Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, both bring to the table longer-range radars and missiles that give them a fighting chance against Russia’s air force. This makes them closer-in many respects-to second-generation F/A-18C/Ds, thanks to better radars, longer-range missiles, and new cockpit displays.īroadly, the F/A-18A/B and F-16A/B are both short-range, fourth-generation fighters known for their maneuverability. Just like the F-16A/Bs Ukraine will likely receive, Australia’s first-generation FA-18A/Bs have been updated from their initial production configuration to the A++ standard. Hornet Versus Falcon Over the Skies of Ukraine? They would still need to approach Russian jets at low altitude and, likely, with jamming support to mask their approach before popping up to attack.Īs each additional aircraft type operated by an air force involves considerable ‘overhead’ costs to train pilots and maintainers for sustained service, this significantly raises the bar that Ukraine must consider when evaluating whether or not allocating resources to a Hornet fleet (even free Hornets) makes sense-especially given the major costs already implied in operating F-16s. However, neither the Hornet nor the F-16 would outrange Russian radars and missiles. It can also employ diverse precision ground and naval attack weapons. Importantly for Ukraine, the Hornet-like the F-16-can use the long-range AIM-120 fire-and-forget radar-guided missiles and radars that would give Ukrainian pilots a fighting chance against Russian Su-35 Flanker fighters. Navy retired its Hornets in 2019, though the Marine Corps still operates 138 F/A-18Cs and Ds. The Super Hornet had greater range, far more advanced avionics, and a greatly reduced radar signature, and is generally considered a largely new plane-despite its evolutionary lineage from the Hornet. It also came out in the 1980s with beyond-visual-range capabilities, fly-by-wire avionics, and digital multi-function displays-long before those had become universal in fourth-generation fighters.ĭespite seeing plenty of combat duty in the Middle East and Balkans-including claiming two air-to-air kills, though one loss was also suffered to an Iraqi MiG-25-the FA-18 Hornet didn’t last particularly long in service due to the emergence of the enlarged FA-18E/F Super Hornet jet. the ability to point the nose at high angles above the plane’s current trajectory). The design is noted for its excellent low-speed handling characteristics and ability to achieve high angles of attack (i.e. Navy carriers and land-based Marine Corps squadrons. The McDonnell-Douglas FA-18 Hornet entered service in the 1980s as a twin-engine multi-role fighter (thus having both the ‘Fighter’ and ‘Attack’ designation in its name) for both U.S. To date, Australia is the largest non-NATO provider of assistance to Ukraine, having so far transferred $475 million in assistance, including customized M113AS4 APCs, Hawkei infantry mobility vehicles, 90 Bushmaster mine-resistant trucks, six M777 howitzers and 300 small D40 kamikaze drones. However, another source told Australia’s Financial Review that all but a “handful” of the ex-RAAF F/A-18s would require just a little work to restore to flyability and are in good condition. The Defense Post reported a claim that only 12 to 16 are “operable”. Why the F/A-18 Hornet Is Such a Badass PlaneĪnother consideration is the condition of the aircraft.has already indicated that it is “favorably disposed” to Australia giving the American-designed jets to Ukraine, having been assured that such jets wouldn’t be used over Russian airspace. There are further reports that “high level negotiations” are already underway involving the U.S., Australia, and Ukraine over what could become Australia’s largest value transfer of military aid to date. But Australia’s 46 retired Hornets, in storage at Williamtown airbase near Newcastle, have created an option that Ukraine appears compelled to explore-despite the costs of introducing an additional type into service. ![]() Now, the country is certain to receive F-16s, and seems increasingly likely to buy Gripens at some later point. Ukraine had previously focused its efforts on acquiring F-16s and Swedish Gripen single-engine jets. The last of these jets were retired from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service two years ago, and would otherwise soon be either sold or destroyed. The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myrosnychenko, revealed to media early in June that Ukraine was studying the possibility of acquiring some or all of Australia’s 46 remaining FA-18A and two-seat F/A-18B Hornet jets.
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