Ukraine contacted Australia for F-18 – Ambassador

Vasyl Myroshnychenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, confirmed on Tuesday that Kyiv had requested Canberra with a possible transfer of decommissioned F/A-18 fighter jets.

As clarified by Myroshnychenko to the AFP news agency, Ukraine's request pertains to the assessment of the condition of approximately forty aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force that are to be replaced with more modern F-35 jets.

"There has been a request for information," Myroshnychenko said. "Ukraine is looking at fighter jet capabilities, including this one."

Mick Ryan, a strategist and retired Australian major general, told AFP that the F-18s could help "level the playing field" against Russia's larger and better-equipped air force – helping prevent strikes on Ukrainian towns, cities and critical infrastructure.

The F/A-18 is an American carrier-based fighter-bomber developed in the 1970s. It is currently the main combat aircraft of the United States Navy. It is also in service with several European and Asian countries. The aircraft is referred to as the F-18 in many sources, but this designation was canceled in 1982 and is no longer official.

Local media previously reported discussions between Australia and the United States on a possible transfer of F/A-18 Hornets to Ukraine.