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An F/A-18A Classic Hornet fighter jet has travelled across the country via truck to be installed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The aircraft will be joined by a damaged Australian Army Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle (previously gifted to Ukraine) and a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft in Anzac Hall as part of a $500 million redevelopment for the national museum.
The development is expected to be opened to the public next year. The Hornet is expected to be installed in a new “Middle East” gallery.
“The largest relocation of military technology in the memorial’s history is underway … ahead of Anzac Day,” the Australian War Memorial said in a published statement.
“The Hornet, A21-022, retired in 2020 after more than 6,000 flying hours, and was the first RAAF fighter to drop bombs in combat since the Korean War, taking part in patrol and combat missions over Iraq and Syria.
“The C-130 Hercules, with its deep, resonant hum, has carried Australians out of crisis zones, flown life-saving aid into disaster-stricken regions, and borne the weight of returning Australia’s fallen home with dignity.
“Finally, battle-damaged Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle “Debby”’ is a rugged, battle-hardened guardian that protected Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan from improvised explosive devices and ambushes.”
Another Classic Hornet (A21-101) was previously unveiled at the RAAF Association Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia at Bull Creek in 2023, following retirement of the aircraft with nearly 40 years of operational service in December 2021.
