platforms Like virtually every other developed nation and most larger developing nations, Australia has weapons systems which could be used to deliver nuclear weapons to its neighbours, if nuclear weapons were developed. The Royal Australian Air Force has 71 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters and 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighters. Australia previously operated the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk ground-attack aircraft and the English Electric Canberra and General Dynamics F-111C bombers, which were theoretically capable of delivering nuclear weapons, and F-111G tactical bombers which converted from United States Air Force FB-111A strategic nuclear bombers. Prior to the delivery of the F-111C, Australia briefly operated the McDonnell Douglas F-4E leased from the United States Air Force, standard Block 43/44 models capable of delivering nuclear weapons. As part of Air Staff Requirement (Operational Requirement/Air) 36 for bomber aircraft in the 1950s, the Royal Australian Air Force specified a requirement for "an offensive tactical strike capability" and "strategic defence of Australia" with targets "as far north as the Kra Peninsula". The bomber was required to have a range of not less than and be capable of carrying at least of conventional bombs or one BLUE DANUBE nuclear weapon (which had been air dropped at Maralinga on 11 October 1956). Locally manufactured versions of the Avro Vulcan or Handley Page Victor nuclear bombers were some of the options considered. Polling In 2010 Lowy Institute poll asked If some of Australia’s near neighbours were to begin to develop nuclear weapons, would you then be personally in favour or against Australia also developing nuclear weapons? it found that 4% were Strongly in favour, 12% Somewhat in favour, 16% (total in favour) while 63% Strongly against, and 21% Somewhat against. In 2022, The Lowy Institute performed another poll on Australians support for Nuclear weapons. and it found that 11% Strongly in favour, 25% Somewhat in favour, 36% (total in favour) an increase for the 2010 poll, while Somewhat against was 24% and 39% Strongly against acquiring nuclear weapons. References Further reading Foreign relations of Australia Weapons of Australia Weapons of mass destruction by country