US Navy orders Block III Super Hornet
The F/A18 Super Hornet will remain as the backbone of the US Navy strike fighter fleet for the foreseeable future as the service orders the latest Block III variant.
Boeing received a MY contract from US Navy Air Systems Command for 78 new build examples on 20 March.
The work will see 78 aircraft (61 of the single-seat E variant and 17 of the twin-seat F variant) delivered.
The fixed-price contract is valued at $4bn and also covers the upgrade of existing Block II models to Block III standard.
A Boeing spokesperson told Shephard that the first new aircraft will
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.