The US Navy will receive 17 new Super Hornets for $1.3 billion, but these will be the last F-18s manufactured by Boeing
After protracted negotiations and objections from the Pentagon, Boeing and the US Navy have finally reached an agreement for the production of 17 new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft. The contract, valued at $1.3 billion, includes five single-seat F/A-18E aircraft and twelve two-seat F/A-18Fs, which will be delivered as part of the 46th and 47th production batches respectively.
Delivery of the new aircraft is scheduled to begin in the winter of 2026 and be completed by the spring of 2027, marking a significant expansion for the US Navy’s fleet, which currently numbers 420 F/A-18 Super Hornets. These aircraft form the backbone of the US Navy’s embarked aviation.
F-18 Super Hornet.
The average cost of each unit is approximately US$76 million, highlighting the United States’ continued investment in its air defense capabilities. This development is notable not only for the financial commitment involved, but also for the context in which the deal was concluded.
The latest version of the F/A-18 Super Hornet is known as Block III. Boeing delivered the first batch of 78 Super Hornet units with these new upgrades to the US Navy. The aim of this upgrade package is to overcome future threats and expand the aircraft’s capabilities. Some of the improvements include:
Block III Adjunct Processor: This new processor aims to make the fighter more agile during its operations, increasing the pilot’s situational awareness.
Improved Software and Hardware: Boeing has made improvements to the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s software and hardware.
Applications and Tools: Applications and tools were developed to keep the fighter constantly updated.
Application-Based Solutions: The jet is ready to receive application-based solutions that will enable upgrades throughout its service life.
Boeing will continue to deliver Block III capabilities to the Navy until the mid-2030s. In addition, the US manufacturer plans to extend the service life of the 4th generation fighter and eventually upgrade the Block II Super Hornet to Block III. An important evolution to keep the aircraft competitive and effective in future scenarios.
Originally, Boeing had plans to close the Super Hornet assembly line in St. Louis, Florida, in 2025, after the completion of all current contracts for this specific type of aircraft. However, this new contract ensures continued production of the Super Hornet beyond the planned deadline, thus guaranteeing the maintenance of the US Navy’s carrier-based air defense capability for many years to come.
After this delivery, Boeing, if there are no new twists and turns in world geopolitics, has plans to end manufacture of the Super Hornet.
