Australia is experiencing difficulties with deliveries of old F/A-18 Hornet fighters to Ukraine

Ukraine has not yet received a single Western-style fighter jet. The first aircraft are expected to be handed over in early 2024, but this is not certain. The main contender is the F-16 Fighting Falcon. However, there is hope for the F/A-18 Hornet as well.

Here's What We Know

In the early summer of 2023, it was first reported that the Royal Australian Air Force may transfer 41 F/A-18 Hornet deck fighters to Ukraine. A few days later, Ambassador Vasil Miroshnichenko said that Ukraine had made an enquiry to find out the technical condition of the aircraft.

About a fortnight ago, we wrote that the Royal Australian Air Force has only 14 fourth-generation fighters in operational condition. This became known after an inventory conducted by the aerospace company RAVN at the request of the Ukrainian side.

Australia has transferred a lot of weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but the supply of F/A-18 Hornet is a more complicated process than any other form of military support. However, its issue has not been removed from the agenda, and negotiations are still ongoing. This was reported by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.

Source: ABC