The Government announced on the 17 March 2008 that Defence will proceed with acquisition of the Super Hornet.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP said it was an excellent aircraft capable of meeting any know threat in the region and the only suitable aircraft that can meet the small delivery window created by the former Government.

This decision is based on advice given to Mr Fitzgibbon on Part A of the ongoing Air Combat Capability review which he announced last month.

“This review will provide the Government with a timely opportunity to assess the strengths of our current plans and inform consideration of our future air combat capability in the context of the new Defence White Paper”, Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The review is being conducted in two stages with only Part B remaining. The second stage will consider trends in Asia-Pacific air power until 2045 and the relative capabilities of current and projected fourth and fifth generation combat aircraft such as the Joint Strike Fighter.

The review team will also examine the case for and against acquiring the F-22. The review team will also consider industry issues relevant to the development of Australia’s future air combat capability.

“I have asked the review team to provide its report by the end of April 2008 in order that its findings can be considered by Government and incorporated into the development of the Defence White Paper”,  Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Air superiority is Australia’s single most important Defence capability.