RAAF to deploy Super Hornets to Middle East

Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced on September 14 that a force of up to eight RAAF Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets, together with an Airbus KC-30A multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) and Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and 400 support personnel, will deploy to an airbase in the Middle East as early as this week.

This follows the government’s decision to contribute to international led efforts to disrupt and degrade Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) insurgents. Up to 30 countries have pledged support to the US-led assistance of the Iraqi government.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said the Australian contingent will move to the United Arab Emirates where they will prepare to respond to future government decisions regarding Iraq.

“The decision to prepare Australian Defence Force personnel for deployment has not been taken lightly,” ACM Binskin said.

“This is a highly complex operating environment which continues to evolve and we now have a significant amount of detailed planning work to undertake as we prepare for this deployment.”

Australia will also contribute 200 ground troops, including Special Forces, which will be involved in training Iraqi military and Peshmerga forces.