Warbird Information Exchange

Australia on Wednesday signed a contract with the U.S. Navy, valued at approximately $2.4 billion, for the acquisition of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets and associated support systems. Additional cases will be established later this year for weapons acquisition and aircraft sustainment. The total program investment will be approximately $4.6 billion over 10 years, including acquisition and support costs as well as personnel.

"The procurement by Australia of 24 Super Hornets is a milestone event," said Rick McCrary, director, Boeing F/A-18 International Business Operations. "It is the first international sale of a Super Hornet and reflects the confidence in the aircraft by a major air force and key ally of the United States. We look forward to continuing our 25-year relationship with this proud Hornet Country."

Australian personnel will begin training in the Super Hornet in the United States in 2009; delivery of the first Super Hornet is expected in late 2009. Australia will retire its F-111 aircraft in 2010, and Super Hornets will be operating within the Royal Australian Air Force the same year.