US Navy orders 17 new Super Hornets
Delivery of the newly contracted Super Hornets has been slated to commence in late 2026. (Photo: US Navy)
New contract awarded to Boeing will see the delivery of 17 new F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighters and critical technical data.
The US Navy has awarded Boeing a US$1.3 billion contract for the procurement of 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets. The agreement, announced on March 19, also included the delivery of a technical data package vital for the sustained operation of the platforms.
“The Super Hornet remains a predominant aircraft in the carrier air wing and will continue to provide significant combat capability into the 2040s,” said Rear Adm John Lemmon, program executive officer for the US Navy’s Tactical Aircraft Programs.
Allocated by Congress, the funds for the purchase will address the existing shortfall in strike fighters within the Navy’s fleet. The contract, categorised as an “Undefinitised Contract Action”, will be expected to be finalised in the coming months.
Delivery of the newly contracted Super Hornets has been slated to commence in late-2026, with the final batch expected no later than early to mid-2027.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme]()
UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
-
![Analysis: UK government goes on decommissioning spree to balance defence budget]()
Analysis: UK government goes on decommissioning spree to balance defence budget
UK defence secretary John Healey has announced the cancellation and decommissioning of naval and air force platforms to enable the government to “re-invest money in the armed forces” ahead of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
