Block III Super Hornet is ready for USN service
Boeing has delivered the first operational Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet to the USN.
Boeing announced on 27 September that it has delivered the first of 78 new Block III F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft for operational service with the USN.
An initial pair of aircraft were provided in June 2020 for USN flight testing.
Block III is the most advanced version of the Super Hornet, able to exceed fourth-generation fighter capabilities, and it will provide the Navy with the most networked and survivable F/A-18 built with a technology insertion plan that will outpace future threats.
Block III was created ‘in partnership with the US Navy to meet its emerging requirements’, said Boeing VP Jen Tebo.
The aircraft has a new adjunct processor that allows more work to be done in far less time. It is also ready to receive apps-based solutions to allow upgrades throughout its lifespan.
Boeing is expected to complete delivery of the Block III aircraft by the mid-2030s.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM]()
Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM
Prime Minister Moloni's comment came as Italy and Saudi Arabia signed a swathe of agreements totalling $US10 billion for greater cooperation, including between its defence and aerospace industries.
-
![The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades]()
The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades
The Philippine Air Force is reportedly finalising terms for the upgrade of 12 and additional procurement of several FA-50 aircraft with KAI, with Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos procurement also completed.
-
![Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile USAF contract expanded to $208 million]()
Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile USAF contract expanded to $208 million
The US$70 million modification to the existing joint strike missile contract has definitised it, covering support, containers and test hardware for the missiles’ use on the USAF’s F-35 aircraft.
-
![Israel to equip F-16I fleet with Elbit self-protection upgrade]()
Israel to equip F-16I fleet with Elbit self-protection upgrade
The $80-million contract for the development and installation of the Advanced Self-Protection Suite on the F-16I further boosts Israeli Air Forces’ (IAF's) fleet survivability.
-
![India officially welcomed as an observer on Eurodrone programme]()
India officially welcomed as an observer on Eurodrone programme
The four-nation medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) programme includes France, Germany, Italy and Spain. India’s acceptance as an observer is the second addition to the programme, following Japan in 2023.
