The United States Navy acquired another batch of 17 F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III fighters, manufactured by Boeing. The $1,3 billion purchase comes as Boeing faces the biggest crisis in its history. 

According to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the contract signed on Tuesday (19) includes the delivery of a package of technical data vital to supporting the platform. The new F/A-18s are being acquired to help mitigate the strike fighter shortage. On the other hand, this deal is actually the last batch of F/A-18 fighters that the Navy is acquiring. The purchase would be signed at the end of 2023, but was halted due tothe increase in aircraft costs.

“The Super Hornet continues to be a predominant aircraft on the carrier air wing,” said Rear Admiral John Lemmon, Executive Director of Tactical Aircraft Programs, highlighting the aircraft's continued importance. “The technical data package is a crucial part of this negotiation; it is necessary for naval aviation operational readiness and post-production sustainment.”

Delivery of this new and final batch should begin in winter 2026, with final delivery no later than spring 2027, says NAVAIR. The new contract not only bolsters the Navy's fighter force, but also keeps the Super Hornet production line running. This last detail is important for Boeing, which is in trouble both in the production of civil aircraft and in its defense arm. 

The company has faced several quality problems with the passenger jet 737 MAX. In the military sector, the KC-46 tanker is the most problematic. At the same time, the manufacturer also received fines in the production of the new United States presidential plane, the popular Air Force One. 

In service since the early 2000s, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the US Navy's primary fighter aircraft. Based on the F/A-18 Hornet, the model replaced the legendary F-14 Tomcat from 2006 onwards, taking on a series of roles. 

Although it is one of the United States' main combat aircraft, the Super Hornet was not as successful as other planes from that country, such as the F-35, F-16 and F-15, being exported only to Australia and Kuwait. According to the World Air Forces 2024 survey, the US Navy has 412 Super Hornets in operation, with a further 76 units on order.