The first two RAAF F/A-18 AB Hornet aircraft to be sold to the Royal Canadian Air Force have been delivered to Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in Alberta following their successful participation in Exercise Red Flag 2019.
The two Hornets are the first of up to 25 aircraft that will be sold to Canada along with spares and support equipment.
Originally, Canada had intended to supplement its fleet of 85 Boeing CF(F/A)-18 A/B fighters with 18 new Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets. This plan was cancelled in favour of the Australian Hornets when Boeing accused Canada’s Bombardier of receiving unfair subsidies from Ottawa.
Ottawa has since increased the number of Hornets it wants to buy from the RAAF to 25.
“Australia and Canada have a longstanding defence relationship and this sale is an excellent example of our mutual commitment towards supporting our respective defence capabilities,” Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said.
“These jets have served Australia very well and will now continue to make a positive contribution to the air combat capability of one of our closest allies.”
Minister for Defence Industry Steven Ciobo thanked members of Australia's defence industry for their significant involvement in the planning and preparation of the transfer of these aircraft.
“Transfers of this complexity can only happen through a coordinated effort between Defence and our industry partners,” Minister Ciobo said.