14 of RAAF’s retired classic Hornets are suitable to be donated to Ukraine

Australia, in collaboration with the United States, is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential donation of 41 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornets to Ukraine, diverting them from their originally planned fate of being scrapped. The move comes in response to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for fighter jets to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. Recent reports from the Australia Financial Review shed light on the ongoing negotiations surrounding this significant military endeavor.

Three RAAF FA-18 Hornets in flight at Red Flag 2012
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brett Clashman / Public domain

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Ireland takes delivery of the first C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has arrived at Casement Aerodrome, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities. The arrival of these new aircraft, awarded to Airbus Defence and Space through an open tender competition, signifies a major investment by the Irish Government, with a total cost of $251 million. This contract, the largest equipment acquisition project ever undertaken by the Defense Forces, will replace the existing CASA CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircraft purchased in 1994.


Photo: Ireland Department of Defence
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MQ-9 carries out first landing on a dirt landing zone

In a groundbreaking achievement for the Air Force Special Operations Command, the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft, has accomplished its inaugural landing on a dirt landing zone. This milestone was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the 2nd Special Operations Squadron, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 311th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron, and the 26th Special Tactics Squadron.


U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alysa Calvarese
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