On June 13, Mr. Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, said that Kiev has learned about the status of dozens of F-18 fighter jets that Canberra no longer uses, in order to strengthen the country's air force.
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| Australian Air Force FA-18 Hornets fighter jets. (Source: US Air Force) |
Mr Myroshnychenko said Ukraine had just made an offer on the status of about 41 fighter jets - currently stored at an air base north of Sydney.
“We have requested information. The Ukrainian side is currently examining the capabilities of combat aircraft, including this type of aircraft,” the ambassador said.
Recently, the White House agreed to sell Kiev advanced “fourth generation” aircraft produced by Washington such as the F-16.
Despite being in production for decades, the F-16 would represent a new upgrade to Ukraine’s existing fighter fleet of Soviet-era MiGs and Sukhois, and could pose a potential threat to Russia’s air and ground forces.
Meanwhile, a number of Western countries have expressed interest in supplying F-16s to Ukraine. However, Kiev is particularly interested in Australian F-18 jets, and for the first time the Eastern European country has openly discussed the transfer of this type of weapon.
According to retired Australian Major General Mick Ryan, the F-18s could help put Ukraine on a more “level playing field” against Russia’s more powerful and better-equipped air force.
Therefore, owning more F-18s could help the country prevent attacks on towns, cities and critical infrastructure.
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