The Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A/B Hornet is a multi-role fighter designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is capable of air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping.
The Hornet is operated by:
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No. 3 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown.
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No. 75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal.
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No. 77 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown
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No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF Base Williamtown, who train pilots transferring to Hornet squadrons.
The Hornet is capable of air-to-air refuelling from the new KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
The Hornet was developed for the US Navy and Marine Corps and has been a very successful aircraft. It is also used by Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland. The fleet has just undergone a major avionics upgrade to ensure effective operations for the next 10 to 15 years.
