Boeing Defense Australia has secured a $400 million contract with the Australian government to maintain and upgrade the country’s Royal Air Force (RAAF) fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fighter jets.
Officially the new deal, announced on January 6, 2024, is an extension of an existing agreement between Boeing and the Australian government.
The five-year contract extension, awarded to Boeing Defense, will see support for the Super Hornet and Growler programs continue until 2030, ensuring the long-term retention of a highly skilled workforce at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
As part of the agreement, Boeing will oversee the engineering, maintenance and project management for the sustainment and upgrade of the Super Hornets and Growlers.
The Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract with Boeing commenced on July 1, 2016, for an initial period of five years.
This is the second contract extension, taking the overall contract value to $800 million.
“A strong Defense industry is also crucial to protecting Australians and their interests, as well as contributing to regional stability. I commend Boeing Defense Australia and all Defense industry partners involved with the maintenance and sustainment of the Super Hornet and Growler fleets,” Australian Minister for Defense Industry, Pat Conroy, said.
The contract extension comes as the EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack capability reaches final operational capability.
Operated by No. 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, the Airborne Electronic Attack capability is comprised of 12 EA-18G Growler aircraft, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System and the AGM-88 series of anti-radiation missiles.