Force level

The Boeing EA-18G Growler represents the RAAF’s biggest revolutionary step-change in capability since the introduction of the F-111

The Royal Australian Air Force’s first Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft were due to begin at their Amberley base in late February ahead of their planned public debut at the Avalon Airshow. Their arrival will herald a new era of electronic warfare capabilities for the ADF capable of the full spectrum of electronic attack missions, from blocking a suspected terrorist’s mobile phone calls to the suppression of air defences in a high-end anti-access/aerial denial major conflict.

“A force level electronic warfare capability is something we’ve never had before. And I think we only are now beginning to understand what it might be able to do,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies tells Australian Aviation in a recent interview.