Navy’s Next-Generation Air Dominance Program Impacts Super Hornet Production

Boeing has been awarded a $200 million contract modification by the Navy to maintain production of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The contract will procure critical long lead material and support efforts to ensure the full rate production timeline for the additional Super Hornets. The Navy has yet to execute the contracts for the fighters, as there have been delays related to the ownership of technical data-rights for Super Hornet components. 

Key points: 

1. The Navy has given Boeing a $200 million contract modification to sustain production of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
2. The contract aims to secure critical materials and support the production timeline for the additional Super Hornets.
3. Delays in executing the contracts are attributed to disputes over technical data-rights for Super Hornet components.
4. The production line for Super Hornets is expected to end in 2025, with foreign sales possibilities still under consideration.
5. The Navy has been seeking to end Super Hornet production and focus on its Next-Generation Air Dominance program.