Australia’s ability to consider such a transfer is only possible because it transitioned to more modern F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters. The RAAF’s first squadron of F-35s
became operational in 2021. The RAAF says it expects all 72 of its F-35s to be fully operational this calendar year. Two dozen Super Hornets and a dozen Growlers round-out the RAAF's tactical jet inventory.
If the RAAF Hornet transfer were to become a reality, a “Hornet coalition” for Ukraine, akin to the one being formed over the Vipers, is not unthinkable, either. Like Australia, there are a number of nations that will be transitioning from the Hornet to the Lightning in just a few years time. This would allow Ukraine to continue Hornet operations well into the next decade with spare airframes, parts, and expertise.
Finland has 62
F/A-18C/D multirole fighter jets and
64 F-35s on order.
Canada recently finalized a deal to purchase F-35As to replace its fleet of
CF-18 Hornets. In 2021,
Switzerland selected the F-35 to replace the Swiss Air Force’s existing fleet of 30 ‘legacy’
F/A-18C/D Hornets. Spain will be
concluding Hornet operations in the coming years as well. Other international opportunities exist, too. This includes Kuwait's notoriously healthy F/A-18C/D fleet that is being replaced and possibly U.S. examples, as well.
While all this remains in the discovery stages at this time, at least publicly, we have seen other advanced weapons acquisitions for Ukraine ramp up drastically if the powers that be come together on the subject.
The optics of shredding capable jets that are well suited for Ukraine's needs while the country is begging the world for 4th generation fighter capability would be abysmal, regardless.
