U.S. approves $1.5 bn support contract for RAAF F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets

a
World Defense & Security News - Australia
 
 
U.S. approves $1.5 bn support contract for RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets
 
The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and future fleet of EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.
     
The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and future fleet of EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.
Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft
     
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of follow-on sustainment support and services for 24 AF/A-18Fs Super Hornet and future fleet of 12 AEA-18G Growler aircraft. The sustainment efforts will include software and hardware updates, Engineering Change Proposals, System Configuration upgrades, system integration and testing, engine component improvement, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, aircrew trainer devices upgrades, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.5 billion.

"This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in Southeast Asia and around the world. Australia is an important ally and partner that contributes significantly to coalition, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world.", said the DSCA.

The proposed sale of follow-on sustainment support and services will enable the Royal Australian Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 fleet. The follow-on support will allow Australia to maintain aircraft availability/operational rates, and enhance interoperability with the U.S. and other nations.