By Olawale Abarie, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The United States Navy has finalized a significant $1.1 billion procurement deal for 17 additional F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. This contract is significant as it is expected to be the last of its kind for the Super Hornet, a mainstay of naval aviation for decades. The deal also includes the technical data packages that are essential for long-term maintenance and support of the fleet.
The contract award comes after negotiations between Boeing and the Navy over the final Super Hornet contract stalled last year due to rising price tags of the airframe. As of December 2023, Boeing and the Navy had made progress in negotiating the rights to the technical data package, but were stuck on the high cost.
Surely, the acquisition of these 17 Super Hornets is a strategic move by the Navy to strengthen its current fleet’s capabilities. The Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, capable of performing both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes, making it a versatile asset for a variety of missions. Therefore, adding more units to the fleet is important to help the Navy ensure that it has a sufficient number of combat-ready aircraft to meet operational demands.
This purchase comes at a time when the Navy is transitioning to newer platforms, such as the F-35C Lightning II. The F-35C is set to become the next-generation fighter for carrier operations. However, the integration of new technology is a complex process, and the Super Hornets will continue to serve as a critical component of naval aviation until the F-35C is fully operational in sufficient numbers.
The Super Hornet is a cost-effective solution for maintaining fleet readiness. Compared to the development and production costs associated with newer aircraft, procuring additional Super Hornets is a financially prudent decision. It allows the Navy to maintain a robust force structure without the immediate need for a large-scale investment in next-generation fighters.
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Furthermore, the inclusion of technical data packages in the contract is a significant aspect of this deal. These packages provide the Navy with detailed information on the design, maintenance, and upgrade paths for the aircraft. Having access to this data is important for the long-term sustainability of the fleet, as it enables the Navy to perform in-house maintenance and upgrades without relying on external contractors. This autonomy can lead to cost savings and increased operational efficiency.
This deal secures the future of the Super Hornet production line until 2025, with the last eight American Super Hornets being built. However, there are potential foreign sales cases. India, for instance, is considering the French Dassault Rafale M and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block III for a buy of 26 carrier fighters.
In conclusion, this deal not only secures the Super Hornet’s production line but also ensures the U.S. Navy’s combat readiness for the foreseeable future. It represents a significant milestone in the field of defense procurement and sets the stage for future negotiations.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books, He has master’s degree from Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria. He also works as a web content writer with the International Lean Six Sigma Institute, UK
