US Navy places an order for 17 Super Hornets with Boeing.

The U.S. Navy entered into a $1.3 billion contract with Boeing on March 19 for the procurement of 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets. This deal also includes the delivery of a technical data package critical for the operational maintenance of the platform.
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An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) (Picture source: US DOD )

Rear Admiral John Lemmon, the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, highlighted the significance of this technical data package in the negotiations, emphasizing its necessity for naval aviation's operational readiness and post-production support. He further remarked that the Super Hornet would continue to be a pivotal element in the carrier air wing, offering significant combat capabilities into the 2040s.

Funding for these Super Hornets was secured through Congressional appropriations aimed at addressing the fighter jet shortfall. The contract, described as an Undefinitized Contract Action, is expected to be finalized in the coming months. Captain Michael Burks, Program Manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office, praised his team for securing a deal that benefits the long-term support of the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft, emphasizing the importance of providing warfighters with all necessary resources for national defense and safe return.

The agreement includes the first phase of the technical data package for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G, covering operation, maintenance, installation, and training data, allowing the Navy to sustain the aircraft with its personnel instead of relying on Boeing or subcontractors. This order extends the life of Boeing's F/A-18 production line in St Louis, Missouri, which was set to close in 2025 without further orders. The delivery of the new Super Hornets is scheduled to begin in winter 2026 and complete by spring 2027, ensuring the continuity of this critical capability for the U.S. Navy in the coming years.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is a multi-role fighter jet developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy, entering service in the 1990s. This third-generation aircraft from the F/A-18 family is distinguished by its enhanced air combat, ground attack, and electronic warfare capabilities. Equipped with two engines, the Super Hornet can perform a wide range of missions including air superiority, close air support, and reconnaissance. It features a diverse arsenal including air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, cannons, and advanced stealth and electronic warfare technologies. Its modular design and sophisticated avionics system make it adaptable for future updates, ensuring its role as a key combat platform for the U.S. Navy.

Defense News April 2024