The RAAF sole fighter aircraft is the F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet will probably be replaced by the Lockheed developed JSF after 2010. Australia is the
only operator of the F-111 Ardvark or 'Pig' in the world today. The force consists of F-111C, RF-111C and ex-US F-111G aircraft.
The bomber will remain in service until at least 2010. In 2001 the RAAF took delivery of the BAe Hawk Mk.127 to replace the
ageing MB-326 fleet. The Hawks serve as a lead-in fighter for future F/A-18 pilots.
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The RAAF operates the Boeing 707 converted for the tanker role. The fourth generation of Australian C-130 aircraft has been delivered recently. Australia operated the C-130A and
C-130E in the past, which were replaced by the C-130H and recently the C-130J respectively. The elderly DHC-4 Caribou tactical transport soldiers on, plans to replace the Caribou
with the C-27J or C-295 were abondoned after defense budget cuts. For the VIP transport duty the RAAF operates the Boeing 737-BBJ and the Challenger.
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The P-3 Orion fleet of Australia is operated by the RAAF. The P-3C Orion has been upgraded to AP-3C standard, giving the aircraft a strike capability equipping it with the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-shipping missile. Three PC-3B Orions were acquired from the US Navy and
converted to TAP-3 to serve as training and liasion aircraft for the three Orion squadrons. The basic trainer for the RAAF is the Pilatus PC-9/A, which is also the aircraft flown by the RAAF display team the 'Roulettes'.
Aside from these aircraft the RAAF still operates the HS-748 transport and Beech 350. The RAAF will take delivery of the Boeing 737 'Wedgetail' AEW&C aircraft soon which will give the RAAF
an Airborne Early Warning platform.
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