The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Australia for sustainment support and associated equipment for the country’s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets, with an estimated value of $2.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has officially notified Congress of the proposed sale.
Australia’s request includes sixty (60) Global Lightning Joint Tactical Terminal – Transceivers (JTT-X), forty (40) Advanced Electronic Warfare systems, and twenty-four (24) Next Generation Electronic Attack Units (NGEAU), along with a comprehensive package of sustainment equipment and services. This includes spare parts, software updates, avionics support, training, test equipment, flight test services, and technical support from both the U.S. Government and contractors. Additional components include electronic warfare countermeasures systems, mission planning software, and secure communications equipment.
The sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, supporting Australia as a key ally and partner in the Western Pacific. It will help Australia sustain a modern, capable air fleet, enhance its readiness to counter current and future threats, and strengthen coalition and regional security efforts. Australia is expected to integrate the new equipment and services smoothly into its armed forces.
The sale will not affect the military balance in the region. Boeing, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, will serve as the principal contractor. No offset arrangements have been proposed at this stage. Implementation will require temporary deployment of twenty-five U.S. Government and fifteen contractor personnel to Australia for program support and technical oversight. The sale will not impact U.S. defense readiness.
The estimated cost reflects the maximum potential value; the final amount may be lower based on Australia’s confirmed requirements and agreements.
