Robert Dougherty

Nearly 2,400 people have signed a petition to preserve and display one of the remaining 41 F/A-18 ‘Classic’ Hornet fighter jet aircraft destined for destruction.

The announcement was funded by the company’s $115 million capital raise and will support the company’s $500 million sales pipeline.

The new Wingman 1-to-1 model concept model will be put on static display at the International Aerospace Exhibition from 5–9 June.

Under the newly announced changes, eligible New Zealanders living in Australia can apply to join the ADF from July this year, while eligible permanent residents from other nations will also be able to apply from January 2025.

The upgrades are expected to allow greater training opportunities to conduct enhanced land and air operations between Australia and the United States militaries at the Bradshaw Field Training Area in the NT.

The aircraft will take part for the first time in the annual military exercise between the five nations in the Five Power Defence Arrangements, according to comments made by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles.