“We don’t want your flying garbage”: Ukraine reportedly rejected Australian F/A-18s

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Ukraine has apparently rejected the delivery of 41 Australian fighter jets. This is reported by the Australian magazine ‘Financial Review’. According to this report, Australia offered Ukraine F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets last year.

An Australian defense official told the magazine that a Ukrainian defense official said at the time: “We don’t want your flying garbage.” These comments essentially killed the deal.

Ideal for short slopes

The jets have been in service since 1984 and were retired in 2021. They would be suitable for approaching damaged runways in Ukraine, because the US military uses this type of jet aircraft on the short runways of aircraft carriers.

The relationship between Australia and Ukraine is tense for other reasons. In addition to the jets, the country is reluctant to supply other equipment. For example, Ukraine had requested vehicles such as the Hawkei armored jeep and the MRH-90 Taipan transport helicopter.

Switzerland also has F/A-18s

The ‘flying waste’ is the F/A-18, which the Swiss army also uses. In 1997 it purchased 34 Hornets, 30 of which are still in service.

However, there are differences between the Australian and Swiss models. While the retired Australian aircraft are Type A/BF/A-18s, Switzerland operates the C/D types. These are more modern. Among other things, radar, night combat capabilities and the ability to use modern guided missiles are better. Types A, C and D are single-seaters, types B, D and F are two-seaters. (GF)

Source: Blick