The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed $2.0 billion Foreign Military Sale to the Australian Government for sustainment and support of its F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified Congress of this potential transaction.
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 support package. Non-MDE items include mission planning software, avionics and system upgrades, spare parts, secure communications, training equipment, flight test services, and technical support from U.S. Government and contractor personnel.
The sale is part of broader U.S. efforts to strengthen its partnership with Australia, a key strategic ally in the Western Pacific. It will enable Australia to sustain and modernize its fighter aircraft capabilities, improve coalition interoperability, and maintain its role in promoting regional security. Australia is well-prepared to integrate the requested systems without difficulty.
The proposed sale will not disturb the regional military balance. Boeing will serve as the lead contractor. No offset agreements are currently proposed. The sale will require temporary travel by twenty-five U.S. Government and fifteen contractor representatives to Australia for technical support and program reviews. The sale will have no negative impact on U.S. military readiness.
The final value of the contract may vary based on Australia’s finalized needs and funding.
