F/A-18F Super Hornet to fly past on PNG's Independence Day

An F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet will fly over Port Moresby on 16 September as a part of Australia’s contribution to Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day celebrations.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter jet and several RAAF KA350 King Air planes will participate in a fly past of Independence Hill at dawn led by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

It will be the first time an F/A-18F Super Hornet – Australia’s newest combat aircraft - will have been seen in PNG airspace.

Based at 82 Wing RAAF Base Amberley, South East Queensland, Australia, the dual seat multi-role fighter can reach speeds of 1,960 km/h and can undertake interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops and interdiction of enemy supply lines.

The KA350 King Air planes are based at 32 Squadron in East Sale, Victoria, Australia. The 32 Squadron was formed in Port Moresby in February 1942 where it commenced reconnaissance and bomber operations.

The KA350 is a multi-role light transport, low-level tactical and maritime navigation trainer. It Carries two crew members and up to eight passengers.