Aircraft Weapons

Senator Bishop asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 24 March 2005:

With reference to the weapons carried by the F/A-18 aircraft:

1. What weapons (missiles or bombs) are deployable on the F/A-18 but not on the F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
2. For each of these weapons, can a description be provided of its capability, purpose and cost.
3. Is the AGM-142 a weapon that can be deployed on the F/A-18 but not on the JSF.
4. What is the total stock of weapons (not individually) that can be deployed on the F/A-18 but not on the JSF.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. The RAAF F/A-18 can carry the AGM84 Harpoon air-to-surface missile, but there are no plans for the JSF to carry the weapon. While the RAAF F/A-18 can carry the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, a decision is yet to be made on whether the Australian JSF will also carry this weapon.
2. The unit cost of weapons is classified. However, the capability and purpose of these weapons are as follows:
   1. The AGM84 Harpoon is a subsonic, all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile that uses radar terminal guidance. The Harpoon is carried by a number of Australian Defence Force aircraft, ships and submarines and provides them with a potent capability to attack ships from beyond 60 nautical miles.
   2. The Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile is a short-range, infra-red guided air-to-air missile. The weapon provides the F/A-18 with a leading edge, within visual range counter-air capability.
3. Neither the F/A-18 nor JSF can carry the AGM-142.
4. Australian weapon stock numbers are classified.

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