PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — In a strategic move to bolster its aerial combat capabilities, the U.S. Navy has awarded The Boeing Company a substantial $1.3 billion contract for the acquisition of 17 advanced F/A-18 Super Hornets. This agreement, finalized on March 19, also encompasses the delivery of a critical technical data package, essential for the aircraft’s long-term sustainability and operational readiness.
Rear Adm. John Lemmon, the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, emphasized the significance of the technical data package in the negotiation process, underlining its importance for naval aviation’s readiness and the post-production support of the platform. “The Super Hornet remains a predominant aircraft in the carrier air wing and will continue to provide significant combat capability into the 2040s,” Lemmon stated, highlighting the aircraft’s continued relevance in future military operations.
The contract award stems from Congressional appropriations intended to address the Navy’s existing strike fighter deficit, showcasing a proactive approach to ensuring the armed forces’ readiness and capabilities. The agreement is structured as an Undefinitized Contract Action, with plans to finalize the contract’s specifics in the upcoming months.
Capt. Michael Burks, Program Manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office, praised his team’s efforts in securing this deal. “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,” he remarked. Burks further reiterated the Navy’s commitment to providing its warfighters with the necessary resources for national defense and safe return from missions.
The delivery of the new Super Hornets is slated to commence in the winter of 2026, extending through to the spring of 2027, marking a significant enhancement to the Navy’s combat aircraft fleet. This acquisition not only underscores the U.S. Navy’s ongoing efforts to maintain technological and operational superiority but also reinforces its ability to adapt and prepare for future challenges.
