U.S. Navy Awards Boeing $1.3B to Purchase 17 F/A-18 Super Hornet Aircraft

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

The contract was awarded on March 19, 2024.

Following a protracted dispute that saw the Pentagon seeking to avoid purchasing new Super Hornet strike fighters despite congressional funding, the U.S. Navy entered into a final production contract encompassing the 17 new-build Block III F/A-18 jets. This contract also covers delivery of a crucial technical data package essential for sustaining the platform.

Congress had allocated funds for the Navy to acquire these Super Hornets to address the shortfall in strike fighters. The award is classified as an Undefinitized Contract Action, with plans to finalize the terms within the coming months.

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