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The United States State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale to Australia, valued at an estimated US$2 billion (approximately $3 billion), to provide sustainment support for the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The proposed package includes a range of equipment and services aimed at maintaining and enhancing the operational readiness of Australia’s air combat fleet. Key items encompass 60 Global Lightning Joint Tactical Terminal-Transceivers, 40 advanced electronic warfare systems, and 24 Next Generation Electronic Attack Units.
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Additional components of the deal involve AN/PYQ-10C Simple Key Loaders, inline network encryptors, AN/ALE-47 electronic warfare countermeasures systems, Joint Mission Planning System software, aircraft spares and repair parts, support equipment, software and hardware updates, avionics software support, aircraft armament equipment, technical data, engineering change proposals, engine component improvements, training and associated equipment, flight test services, transportation costs, system integration and testing, software development and integration, tools and test equipment, as well as US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified the US Congress of the possible sale, highlighting that the proposed transaction will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capabilities of a key ally in the Western Pacific.
Boeing, the manufacturer of both the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, is expected to be the principal contractor for this sustainment support package.
The successful implementation of this proposed sale will require 25 US government personnel and 15 US contractor representatives to visit Australia temporarily in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews.
The RAAF operates 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets and 12 EA-18G Growlers, which play critical roles in Australia’s air combat and electronic warfare capabilities, this sustainment support is anticipated to ensure the continued effectiveness and readiness of these aircraft in the coming years, with the Australian government committed to extending their life into the late 2030s and beyond.
