Australia has 14 F/A-18 Hornet fighters in working order that could be transferred to Ukraine

At the beginning of the summer, it was reported that Australia might transfer 41 fourth-generation F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine. As it turned out, the Royal Air Force has far fewer planes in working order.

Here's What We Know

Journalists of The Australian Financial Review have gained access to a report on an inventory of the US fighter jets held by the Royal Australian Air Force. The inventory was carried out by the US aerospace company RAVN following a request from Ukraine, which was announced a few weeks ago by the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Miroshnychenko.

It was learned that if Australia really wants to hand over the F/A-18 Hornet to the Ukrainian Air Force, only 14 aircraft are in working order. Among them there are 11 single-seat and three two-seat fighters.

Each aircraft has flown more than 3,000 hours, which is roughly half the limit. At the same time, it is not ruled out that the F/A-18 Hornet may be extended in service, with Ukraine potentially being able to use the F/A-18 Hornet for two years.

Source: The Australian Financial Review