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The US Navy has announced plans to acquire 17 F/A-18 Super Hornet multi-role fighter jets to help bridge a gap in their strike fighter fleet.
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The Navy has engaged American defence prime Boeing in a US$1.3 billion contract for the purchase of 17 aircraft and the delivery of technical data packages vital to sustainment of the platform, according to information released by US Naval Air Systems Command on 19 March.
“The technical data package was a crucial part of this negotiation; it is necessary for naval aviation’s operational readiness and post-production sustainment,” said Rear Admiral John Lemmon, program executive officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs.
“The Super Hornet remains a predominant aircraft in the carrier air wing and will continue to provide significant combat capability into the 2040s.”
Delivery of the new Super Hornets is scheduled to begin in 2026, with final delivery no later than 2027.
The US Navy received appropriated funds from Congress to purchase the Super Hornets to help mitigate the strike fighter shortfall, and the award is an undefinitised contract action with the intent to definitise within the next few months.
“I am very proud of our team, their mission-focused mindset, data-driven approach and persistence resulted in an agreement that will greatly benefit the sustainment of the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft well into the future,” according to F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager Captain Michael Burks.
“It is our job to ensure our warfighters have all the necessary resources to defend our nation and return home safely.”
The F/A-18 Super Hornet has traditionally been used as a carrier-capable multi-role fighter to carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and other weaponry.
The Royal Australian Air Force currently operates 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets used in conjunction with F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The F/A-18F Super Hornets achieved Final Operational Capability in December 2012 and are based at No. 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley.
Super Hornet aircraft are expected to continue flying for the RAAF until at least 2030 after the federal government agreed to a new $600 million deal to upgrade and sustain its fleet earlier this year. The five-year contract with Boeing Defence Australia, which also covers its sister aircraft, the Growler, will effectively extend the life of a fleet that had been thought to be retired in 2027.
