The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pursues fleet modernization as regional tensions escalate and alliance dynamics shift. Australia’s air combat capabilities face critical evolution amid deteriorating regional security and emerging military technologies.
Australian defence planners face challenging circumstances as the United States, Canberra’s primary ally, demonstrates growing unpredictability under President Donald Trump’s administration.
F-35 A Lightning; Photo: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)RAAF Need for Urgent Fleet Modernisation
Australia confronts troubling defense scenarios with reduced US reliability under President Donald Trump alongside increasing Chinese military assertiveness.
A Chinese naval task force conducted an unprecedented circumnavigation of Australia in February, disrupting Tasman Sea air traffic with unannounced gunnery exercises. Earlier that month, a Shenyang J-16 fighter dropped flares in the path of an Australian Boeing P-8A operating in international airspace over the South China Sea.
These incidents create a tense backdrop for next week’s Avalon air show, highlighting the RAAF’s urgent modernization efforts amid growing regional instability.
F-35A Fleet Reaches Full Strength
The RAAF completed its 72-aircraft F-35A procurement in 2024, finalizing deliveries that began in 2018. Australia established indigenous support capabilities for the American-built jets, including a BAE (British Aerospace Australia) Systems maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade facility at Williamtown, New South Wales.
RAAF Chief Air Marshal Stephen Chappell told FlightGlobal-
“These aircraft contribute leading-edge air combat capabilities as part of the integrated force. Maintaining this capability involves building capacity support, by maturing the F-35A Lightning II logistics and supporting infrastructure to grow the operational capacity.”
Super Hornet Upgrades Enhance Strike Capabilities
The service’s 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets will receive Block III standard upgrades predominantly performed in Australia. These enhancements include infrared search and track pods, advanced datalinks, and sophisticated weaponry like the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range and AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile.
“Our Super Hornets will be practically identical to US Navy aircraft and will continue to receive spiral upgrades throughout the life-of-type. The Super Hornet will remain an important air combat capability out to 2040 despite the growing maturity of the F-35A fleet.”
-Stephen Chappell, Chief Air Marshal, RAAF
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet; Photo: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)Also Read- Boeing and US Navy tests Manned-Unmanned Teaming technology with Super Hornet
Electronic Warfare Assets Strengthen Defense Posture
Australia operates 12 EA-18G Growlers – specialized electronic warfare variants of the Super Hornet. These aircraft will receive Block II upgrades enhancing capabilities against emerging threats and significantly increasing processing power.
The RAAF will soon acquire another advanced electronic warfare platform – the Gulfstream/L3Harris MC-55A Peregrine. Chappell indicated this G550 business jet derivative will support airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions, with system integration currently underway.
Support Aircraft Investments Continue
Australia maintains ongoing investment in critical combat support aircraft, including Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft and Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (KC-30A).
“The E-7A and KC-30A have provided a significant capability dividend for the Air Force and Australia. Both are world-leading capabilities, acknowledged by allies in operations and exercises since their introduction.”
-Stephen Chappell, Chief Air Marshal, RAAF
Ghost Bat Program Advances Autonomous Combat Technologies
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat joint collaborative combat aircraft program between Boeing Defence Australia and the RAAF represents Australia’s most innovative aerial platform. First unveiled at the 2019 Avalon show, eight prototype aircraft have completed various tests.
Designed for Australia’s vast geography with a 2,000 nautical mile range, early Block 1 aircraft will transition to improved Block 2 versions. Chappell confirmed three Block 2 examples and a ground control station will become operational by year-end.
Current Ghost Bat missions focus on electronic warfare and intelligence gathering, with potential weapons integration in future iterations. The platform will demonstrate collaborative operations with other RAAF assets this year.
While the RAAF maintains impressive independent capabilities, its forces optimize for joint operations, particularly with US military assets. However, Washington’s shifting strategic priorities under President Trump necessitate enhanced Australian self-reliance in an increasingly volatile security environment.
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Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet had successfull operational demonstrations in India
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