US Navy orders 17 Super Hornets from Boeing for $1.13 billion

The U.S. Navy has awarded The Boeing Company a $1.3 billion contract for the purchase of 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets.

As informed, the order was placed on March 19. The contract includes the purchase of 17 F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft and the delivery of a technical data package vital to the sustainment of the platform. 

The navy received funds from US Congress to purchase these Super Hornets to help mitigate the strike fighter shortfall.

The award is an Undefinitized Contract Action with the intent to definitize within the next few months, according to the navy.

“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 Adm. 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.”

“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,” said Capt. Michael Burks, Program Manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office.

“It is our job to ensure our warfighters have all the necessary resources to defend our nation and return home safely.”

Delivery of the new Super Hornets is scheduled to begin in the winter of 2026, with final delivery no later than spring 2027.