Has Australia Moved on from the F-35?

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Has Australia Moved on from the F-35? | Frontline Videos

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Staying With The Super Hornets?

Australia recently canceled its order of 28 more F-35 Lightnings – why is that? The additional Lightnings were expected to replace the RAAF’s last remaining squadron of F-18 Super Hornets. However, the nation has decided to remain loyal by flying their last batch of F-18s for another decade or so.

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To do this, Australia has been trying to extend its lifespan by performing several midlife updates while raising these Hornets to the Block 3 standard. This standard essentially classifies Super Hornets as 4th-plus Generation fighters, fitted with enhanced mission computers, sensors, and a reduced radar cross-section that should improve their survivability. 

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Another promising development lies in the Australian, UK, and US trilateral security pact, better known as AUKUS. This was initially designed to assist Australia in obtaining nuclear-powered submarines, but the pact has been extended to include other technologies. When it comes to fighter planes, this could eventually include the Next Generation Air Dominance 6th-Generation fighter. 

No wonder Australia’s not in a hurry to get the F-35s!

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