Australia receives an additional Growler and considers BBJ replacement
The RAAF has received a replacement EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft to return its fleet to full strength. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
The RAAF has returned its Growler fleet to full strength, plus replacements are also needed for two 737 BBJ aircraft used for VVIP transportation.
Australia has received an additional Boeing EA-18G Growler to replace one lost in an aborted take-off in 2018. This arrival returns the RAAF’s Growler fleet to a dozen aircraft.
The aircraft actually arrived at RAAF Base Amberley in February, but the Department of Defence made no formal announcement.
The US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued a notification for this procurement on 30 September 2021, listing a price tag of up to $125 million for an aircraft from Lot 38 or later.
The RAAF’s Growler (serial number ‘A46-311’) was written off in an accident caused by a ‘malfunction’ at
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
