Australia to stick with Super Hornet buy

Posted on: Mar. 18th, 2008 || Source: theage.com.au | E-mail Article | Print Article

The new Australian government has confirmed the purchase of 24 Boeing F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet fighters.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has described the Opposition Leader's $6 billion acquisition of the fighter planes as rushed, expensive and a "gamble" with Australia's security. But yesterday he said he had few options but to keep them, and softened his position on the aircraft's capability.

"We embrace the Super Hornet," he said. "It is a very, very special aircraft, which is more than up to the job."

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