Boeing receives $25M Navy contract for Super Hornet electronic warfare integration

The effort includes non-recurring engineering, final design, fabrication and delivery of Advanced Electronic Warfare A-kits for Block III Super Hornet aircraft.

Key Highlights

  • The contract supports integration of advanced electronic warfare capabilities on Block III Super Hornet aircraft.
  • Work includes engineering, design, fabrication, installation verification, and delivery of A-kits for testing and fielding.
  • The project enhances aircraft avionics, networking, and mission capabilities, extending the Super Hornet's operational life.

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The U.S. Navy has awarded The Boeing Co., of Arlington, Va., a $25.1 million contract modification to support integration of an advanced electronic warfare capability on Block III F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

The $25,058,195 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00005) adds scope to a previously issued order under Boeing’s basic ordering agreement with Naval Air Systems Command. The effort includes non-recurring engineering, final design, fabrication and delivery of advanced electronic warfare A-kits for Block III Super Hornet aircraft.

According to the Department of Defense (DoD) contract announcement, Boeing will provide A-kits configured for aircraft with and without the wideband radar system. The work also includes installation verification and checkout, modification instructions, and delivery of four flight-test A-kits to support developmental testing, fielding of the enhanced electronic warfare capability, and future fleet modernization.

Related: Boeing moves ahead with E-7A radar surveillance aircraft, digital signal processing, and cyber security

In aircraft modernization programs, A-kits provide the aircraft-specific installation provisions needed to integrate new mission equipment, including wiring, mounting provisions and other modifications required before installation of the operational system.

The Block III F/A-18E/F Super Hornet incorporates upgrades designed to extend aircraft service life and improve avionics, networking and mission capabilities. The Navy is continuing to modernize its Super Hornet fleet through a combination of new production aircraft and upgrades to existing airframes.

The DoD announcement did not identify the specific electronic warfare system being integrated under this modification or provide additional technical details about the enhanced capability.

The award follows previous Navy efforts to advance electronic warfare improvements for carrier-based aircraft, including the Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) program. Additional details on the relationship between this modification and broader Navy electronic warfare modernization efforts were not disclosed.

Work under the contract will be performed in St. Louis (55%); Patuxent River, Maryland (20%); China Lake, California (15%); and El Segundo, California (10%), with completion expected by December 2028.

Fiscal 2026 Navy research, development, test and evaluation funds totaling $10.1 million are being obligated at the time of award. The contract was not competed.

About the Author

Jamie Whitney

Editor-in-Chief

Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics in 2018 and oversees editorial content and produces news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attends industry events, produces Webcasts, and oversees print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics.

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