Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet#Variants

{{main|Northrop YF-17|McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet}}

The Super Hornet is an enlarged redesign of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The wing and tail configuration trace its origin to a Northrop prototype aircraft, the P-530, {{circa|1965}}, which began as a rework of the lightweight Northrop F-5E (with a larger wing, twin tail fins and a distinctive leading edge root extension, or LERX).{{cite web |url= http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f17.html |title= Northrop YF-17 Cobra |website= joebaugher.com |first= Joe |last= Baugher |date= 20 July 2009 |access-date= 27 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141107010303/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f17.html |archive-date= 7 November 2014 |url-status= live}} Later flying as the Northrop YF-17 "Cobra", it competed in the United States Air Force's Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program to produce a smaller and simpler fighter to complement the larger McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle; the YF-17 lost the competition to the YF-16.

File:Northrop YF-17 McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Boeing FA-18EF Super Hornet.png

The Navy directed that the YF-17 be redesigned into the larger F/A-18 Hornet to meet a requirement for a multi-role fighter (VFAX) to complement the larger and more expensive Grumman F-14 Tomcat serving in fleet defense interceptor and air superiority roles. Northrop teamed with McDonnell Douglas to navalize the design, with the latter eventually becoming the prime contractor. The Hornet proved to be effective but limited in combat radius. The concept of an enlarged Hornet was first proposed in the 1980s, which was marketed by McDonnell Douglas as "Hornet 2000". The "Hornet 2000" concept was an advanced F/A-18 with a larger wing and a longer fuselage to carry more fuel and more powerful engines.Jenkins, Dennis R. F/A-18 Hornet: A Navy Success Story. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000. {{ISBN|0-07-134696-1}}.[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/fa18efmilestones.htm "F/A-18E/F Super Hornet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070411072747/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/fa18efmilestones.htm |date=11 April 2007}} Boeing. Retrieved: 25 July 2011.

The end of the Cold War led to a period of military budget cuts and considerable restructuring. At the same time, U.S. Naval Aviation faced a number of problems. The McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II Advanced Tactical Aircraft (ATA) was canceled in 1991 after the program ran into serious problems; it was intended to replace the obsolete Grumman A-6 Intruder.Donald 2004, p. 45. The Navy then embarked on another attack aircraft program called the Advanced-Attack (A-X), but also considered updating an existing design for an interim capability until A-X could be fielded.{{cite book |last1=Aronstein |first1=David |last2=Hirschberg |first2=Michael |title=Advanced Tactical Fighter to F-22 Raptor: Origins of the 21st Century Air Dominance Fighter |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |location=Arlington, Virginia |year=1998 |page=240 |isbn=978-1-56347-282-4}} Meanwhile, McDonnell Douglas had proposed the "Super Hornet" (initially "Hornet II" and later "Hornet 2000" in the 1980s), which could serve as an alternate replacement for the A-6 Intruder or an interim aircraft for A-X; the design would also address some of the limitations of the previous F/A-18 models, such as insufficient bringback capability, or the ability to recover unused weapons aboard aircraft carriers.Elward 2001, p. 73. The next-generation Hornet design proved more attractive than Grumman's Quick Strike upgrade to the F-14 Tomcat, which was regarded as an insufficient technological leap over existing F-14s and was opposed by the Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney. Furthermore, the A-X, which had evolved into the A/F-X (Advanced Attack/Fighter) due to added fighter capabilities, was canceled in the 1993 Bottom-Up Review as the Super Hornet was viewed as a more attractive low-risk approach to a clean-sheet design due to post-Cold War budget reductions.{{cite web|url=http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/top-gun-day-special-the-super-tomcat-that-was-never-bu-1575814142|title=TOP GUN Day Special: The Super Tomcat That Was Never Built|first=Tyler|last=Rogoway|work=jalopnik.com|date=13 May 2014 |access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118012735/http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/top-gun-day-special-the-super-tomcat-that-was-never-bu-1575814142|archive-date=18 November 2016|url-status=live}}

At the time, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was the Navy's primary air superiority fighter and fleet defense interceptor. Cheney described the F-14 as 1960s technology, and drastically cut back F-14D procurement in 1989 before cancelling production altogether in 1991, in favor of the updated F/A-18E/F.{{cite web |url=http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/f-14.htm |title=F-14 Tomcat - Military Aircraft |access-date=14 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202144220/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/f-14.htm |archive-date=2 February 2016 |url-status=live}}Donald, David. "Northrop Grumman F-14 Tomcat, U.S. Navy today". Warplanes of the Fleet. London: AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. {{ISBN|1-880588-81-1}}. The decision to replace the Tomcat with an all-Hornet Carrier Air Wing was controversial; Vietnam War ace and Congressman Duke Cunningham criticized the Super Hornet as an unproven design that compromised air superiority.{{cite web |url=http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/910507-f14.htm |title=FUTURE OF NAVAL AVIATION -- HON.RANDY'DUKE'CUNNINGHAM (Extension of Remarks - May 07, 1991) |access-date=9 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508123944/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/910507-f14.htm |archive-date=8 May 2016 |url-status=live}} Between 1991 and 1992, the Navy gradually canceled the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF), which would have been a navalized variant of the Air Force's Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor to complement the A-12, due to escalating costs. As a cheaper alternative to NATF, Grumman proposed substantial improvements to the F-14 beyond Quick Strike, but Congress rejected them as too costly and reaffirmed its commitment to the less expensive F/A-18E/F. Originally viewed as an interim for A-X or A/F-X, the Super Hornet would become the mainstay of the Carrier Air Wing.Donald 2004, pp. 13, 15.

File:A44-204 Boeing F-A-18F Super Hornet & A21-16 McDonnell Douglas F-A-18A Hornet RAAF (7017164337).jpg

The Super Hornet was first ordered by the U.S. Navy in 1992, and the total Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) cost was capped at $4.88 billion in FY 1990 dollars (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=4880000000|start_year=1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).{{cite book | chapter-url=https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.1998-4701 | doi=10.2514/6.1998-4701 | chapter=A description of the F/A-18E/F design and design process | title=7th AIAA/USAF/NASA/ISSMO Symposium on Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization | year=1998 | last1=Young | first1=James | last2=Anderson | first2=Ronald | last3=Yurkovich | first3=Rudolph | series=Multidisciplinary Analysis Optimization Conferences | publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics }} The Navy retained the F/A-18 designation to help sell the program to Congress as a low-risk "derivative", though the Super Hornet is largely a new aircraft. To some extent, the design of the F/A-18E/F was driven by a more cautious development approach favoring incremental improvements over the F/A-18C/D, affordability, and reliability at the expense of raw performance. The Hornet and Super Hornet share many characteristics, including avionics, ejection seats, radar, armament, mission computer software, and maintenance/operating procedures. The Super Hornet's F414 engines were derived from the Hornet's F404 while also incorporating advances developed for the A-12's F412. The initial F/A-18E/F retained most of the avionics systems from the F/A-18C/D's configuration at the time to reduce upfront development costs.{{cite report |last1=Younossi |first1=Obaid |last2=Stem |first2=David E. |last3=Lorell |first3=Mark A. |last4=Lussier |first4=Frances M. |url=http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html |title=Lessons Learned from the F/A–22 and F/A–18E/F Development Programs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425192042/http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html |archive-date=25 April 2011 |publisher=RAND Corporation |year=2005 |access-date=27 August 2011}} The design would be expanded in the Super Hornet with an empty weight slightly greater than the F-15C. The division of manufacturing would largely mirror the Hornet's, with McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) responsible for the forward fuselage, wings, and stabilators while Northrop Grumman produced the center/aft fuselage and vertical tails. The design service life was 6,000 flight hours.{{cite journal |url= http://www.ausairpower.net/SuperBug.html |title= Flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet |first= Dr Carlo |last= Kopp |journal= Australian Aviation |date= June 2001 |volume= 2001 |issue= May |access-date= 27 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140927070245/http://www.ausairpower.net/SuperBug.html |archive-date= 27 September 2014 |url-status= live}}

The Super Hornet first flew on 29 November 1995. Initial production on the F/A-18E/F began in 1995. Flight testing started in 1996 with the F/A-18E/F's first carrier landing in 1997. Low-rate production began in March 1997{{cite web |last= Frost |first= Patricia |url= http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/news/mdc/97-78.html |title= F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Approved For Low-Rate Production |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100206111205/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/news/mdc/97-78.html |archive-date= 6 February 2010 |website= Boeing.com |date= 28 March 1997 |access-date= 16 August 2010}} with full production beginning in September 1997.{{cite web |last= Frost |first= Patricia |url= http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/news/1997/news_release_970922n.html |title= F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Enters Production at Boeing |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100206110140/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/news/1997/news_release_970922n.html |archive-date= 6 February 2010 |website= Boeing |date= 22 September 1997 |access-date= 16 August 2010}} Testing continued through 1999, finishing with sea trials and aerial refueling demonstrations, as well as design modifications to resolve "wing drop" and possible stores release interference. Testing involved 3,100 test flights covering 4,600 flight hours. The Super Hornet underwent U.S. Navy operational tests and evaluations in 1999,{{cite web |url= http://armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/2000/000322pc.pdf |title= Operational and Test Evaluation of F/A-18E/F and F-22 review to Senate Armed Services Committee |website= Armed-services.senate.gov |date= 22 March 2000 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121104023747/http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/2000/000322pc.pdf |archive-date= 4 November 2012 |access-date= 25 July 2011}} and was approved in February 2000.Nathman, John, Rear Admiral U.S. Navy. [http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=1013 "DoD Special Briefing on "Super Hornet" Operation Evaluation Results."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608225404/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=1013 |date=8 June 2011}} Defenselink.mil, 15 September 2000. Retrieved: 8 July 2011.

File:Four Super Hornets.jpg "Black Aces" in a trail formation. The first and third aircraft have AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pods, and the last aircraft has a buddy store tank]]

Following the retirement of the F-14 in 2006, all of the Navy's combat jets were Hornet variants until the F-35C Lightning II entered service. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F two-seat aircraft took the place of the F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder, Lockheed S-3 Viking, and KA-6D aircraft. An electronic warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler, replaced the EA-6B Prowler. The Navy calls this reduction in aircraft types a "neck-down". During the Vietnam War era, the Super Hornet's roles were performed by a combination of the A-1/A-4/A-7 (light attack), A-6 (medium attack), F-8/F-4 (fighter), RA-5C (recon), KA-3/KA-6 (tanker), and EA-6 (electronic warfare). It was anticipated that $1 billion in fleetwide annual savings would result from replacing other types with the Super Hornet.{{cite web |url= http://www.ndia.org/Content/ContentGroups/Divisions1/International/4202_Wallace.ppt |title= The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: Tomorrow's Air Power Today |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080528120330/http://www.ndia.org/Content/ContentGroups/Divisions1/International/4202_Wallace.ppt |archive-date= 28 May 2008 |website= National Defense Industrial Association |date= 4 July 2008}} The Navy considers the Super Hornet's acquisition a success, meeting cost, schedule, and weight (400 lb, 181 kg) below requirement threshold limits.[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1 "F/A-18 fact file."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111033712/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1 |date=11 January 2014}} U.S. Navy, 13 October 2006. Retrieved: 25 July 2011.

The total Super Hornet procurement number would fluctuate considerably throughout its production run. The 1997 Department of Defense (DoD) Quadrennial Defense Review cut the originally planned number of around 1,000 by nearly half. By October 2008, Boeing had delivered 367 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy, but the service was still experiencing a strike fighter shortfall as older aircraft types retired and the procurement rate was not sufficient to replenish the carrier air wings, especially with ongoing combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as substantial delays with the F-35 program.{{cite web|first=Stephen |last=Trimble|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/07/23/215598/picture-us-navy-super-hornet-deal-could-cut-jsf-numbers.html|title=US Navy Super Hornet deal could cut JSF numbers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706104817/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/07/23/215598/picture-us-navy-super-hornet-deal-could-cut-jsf-numbers.html |archive-date=6 July 2008|date=2007-07-23|url-status=dead|website=Flight Global}}{{cite press release |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=417 |title=Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet a Finalist in Brazil Fighter Aircraft Competition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070145/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=417 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |publisher=Boeing |date=1 October 2008}} In 2006, the Navy was 60 fighters below its validated requirement.{{cite web |url=http://opencrs.com/document/RL30624 |url-status=dead |title=Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Aircraft Procurement and Strike Fighter Shortfall: Background and Issues for Congress |date=May 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707085613/http://opencrs.com/document/RL30624 |archive-date=7 July 2009 |website=opencrs.com |access-date=16 August 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4396|title=DoD News Briefing With Secretary Gates From The Pentagon |publisher=United States Department of Defense|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806163729/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4396|archive-date=6 August 2011|url-status=dead|date=2009-04-06|access-date=2011-09-09}}{{cite web |last=Tilghman |first=Andrew |url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/06/navy_fighter_gap_060710w/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907163658/http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/06/navy_fighter_gap_060710w/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 September 2012 |title=Gates: Fighter gap ignores real-world demand |work=Navy Times |date=8 June 2006 |access-date=16 August 2010}} The FY2010 budget bill authorized a multiyear purchase agreement for additional Super Hornets, finalized on 28 September 2010, that reportedly saved $600 million over individual yearly contracts.{{cite web |last=Shalal-Esa |first=Andrea |url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/10/07/afx6977215.html |title=US defense compromise authorizes F/A-18 multiyear deal |work=Forbes |access-date=16 August 2010}} {{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |last=Tilghman |first=Andrew |url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/06/navy_fighter_gap_062409w/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904054830/http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/06/navy_fighter_gap_062409w/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2012 |title=Bill would give go-ahead to buy Super Hornets |work=Navy Times |date=25 June 2009 |access-date=16 August 2010}} This contract for 66 Super Hornets and 58 Growlers was intended to mitigate a four-year delay in the F-35 program.{{cite web |last=Leiser |first=Ken |url=https://stltoday.com/business/article_ee32802a-e06a-51fc-ae02-b49a003b2375.html |url-status=live |title=Boeing lands $5.3 billion fighter jet contract with Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930003031/http://www.stltoday.com/business/article_ee32802a-e06a-51fc-ae02-b49a003b2375.html |archive-date=30 September 2010 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=29 September 2010}} In 2019, Boeing received a $4 billion contract to deliver 78 Block III Super Hornets for the Navy through fiscal 2021. The Navy plans to sign year to year contracts to convert all of its Block II aircraft to Block III variants through 2033.{{cite web|title=Boeing Super Hornets Receiving Block III Avionics Upgrades|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2020/02/11/boeing-super-hornets-receiving-block-iii-avionics-upgrades/|last=Wolfe|first=Frank|date=February 11, 2020|website=Aviation today|access-date=May 19, 2020}} As the F-35 began entering service, Boeing announced plans to end Super Hornet production in 2025, later extended to 2027 with an additional 17 orders from the U.S. Navy.{{Cite news |last=Cameron |first=Doug |title=Boeing to End Production of Super Hornet Combat Jet, Co-Star of 'Top Gun: Maverick' |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-to-end-production-of-super-hornet-combat-jet-co-star-of-top-gun-maverick-fe801507 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=WSJ |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Finnerty |first=Ryan |title= Boeing extends Super Hornet production to 2027 with final new-build order from USA |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/boeing-extends-super-hornet-production-to-2027-with-final-new-build-order-from-usa/157449.article |date= 2024-03-20 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}

The Block II Super Hornet incorporates an improved active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, larger displays, the joint helmet mounted cueing system, and several other avionics replacements. Avionics and weapons systems that were under development for the prospective production version of the Boeing X-32 were used on the Block II Super Hornet.Reed, John. [http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/12/16/boeing-f-35-hasnt-yet-won-in-japan/ "Boeing: F-35 hasn’t yet won in Japan."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109051603/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/12/16/boeing-f-35-hasnt-yet-won-in-japan/ |date=9 January 2012}} DoD Buzz, 16 December 2011. New-build aircraft received the APG-79 AESA radar beginning in 2005.Ozburn, Marguerite. [http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2005/june/i_ids8.html "F/A-18E/F Block II upgrades add to Super Hornet's potent arsenal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012124908/http://boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2005/june/i_ids8.html |date=12 October 2007}} Boeing Frontiers, June 2005. Retrieved: 25 July 2011. In January 2008, it was announced that 135 earlier production aircraft were to be retrofitted with AESA radars.Jennings, Faith. [http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=902&pagetemplate=release "Raytheon to Provide Revolutionary AESA Capabilities to 135 F/A-18s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714065438/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=902&pagetemplate=release |date=14 July 2011}} Raytheon, 23 January 2008. Retrieved: 25 July 2011.

In 2008, Boeing discussed the development of a Super Hornet Block III{{cite web|title=Block III Super Hornet|url=https://www.boeing.com/defense/fa-18-super-hornet/|date=8 May 2020|website=Boeing}} with the U.S. and Australian military, featuring additional stealth capabilities and extended range. The airframe is strengthened to increase service life to 10,000 flight hours, and some Block II aircraft can be modified to achieve this as well.Fulghum, David. A. [https://aviationweek.com/boeing-plans-sixth-generation-fighteralong-block-3-super-hornet "Boeing Plans Sixth Generation Fighter With Block 3 Super Hornet"] {{Subscription required}}. Aviation Week, 30 January 2008. Retrieved: 17 February 2008.{{cite web |last=Eckstein |first=Megan |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/09/27/boeing-delivers-first-block-iii-super-hornets-to-the-us-navy/ |title=Boeing delivers first Block III Super Hornets to the US Navy |work=Defense News |date=27 September 2021}} In 2010, Boeing offered prospective Super Hornet customers the "International Roadmap", which included conformal fuel tanks, enhanced engines, an enclosed weapons pod (EWP), a next-generation cockpit, a new missile warning system, and an internal infrared search and track (IRST) system; the IRST was later mounted on the centerline external tank.Tournade, Sara. [http://www.boeing.com/Features/2011/06/bds_pas_future_strike_mkt_06_21_11.html "Boeing well positioned for future strike-fighter market."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126124018/http://www.boeing.com/Features/2011/06/bds_pas_future_strike_mkt_06_21_11.html |date=26 January 2012}} Boeing, 21 June 2011. Retrieved: 18 December 2011.Minnick, Wendell. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5653656 "Boeing Unveils New Hornet Options at Aero India"]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Defense News, 8 February 2011. The EWP has four internal stations for munitions, a single aircraft can carry a total of three EWPs, housing up to 12 AMRAAMs and 2 Sidewinders.Nativi, Andy. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/11/04/02.xml "Boeing Reveals Details Of International F-18."] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Aviation Week, 4 November 2011.Barrie, Douglas, Amy Butler and Robert Wall. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awst/2010/07/26/AW_07_26_2010_p37-242845.xml "Manufacturers Vie To Close Fighter Gap."] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Aviation Week, 30 July 2010. Retrieved: 25 July 2011. The next-generation cockpit features a 19 x 11-inch touch-sensitive display.[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/07/12/359262/testing-the-next-generation-super-hornet.html "Testing the next-generation Super Hornet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715211454/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/07/12/359262/testing-the-next-generation-super-hornet.html |date=15 July 2011}} Flight International, 12 July 2011. Retrieved: 25 July 2011. In 2011, Boeing received a US Navy contract to develop a new mission computer.[http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Boeing_Receives_US_Navy_Contract_to_Develop_New_Mission_Computer_for_Super_Hornet_and_Growler_999.html "Boeing Receives US Navy Contract to Develop New Mission Computer for Super Hornet and Growler."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118032118/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Boeing_Receives_US_Navy_Contract_to_Develop_New_Mission_Computer_for_Super_Hornet_and_Growler_999.html |date=18 November 2011}} Space Media Network, 15 November 2011.

File:US_Navy_100420-N-XXXXG-068_An_F-A-18F_Super_Hornet_retusche.jpg

In 2007, Boeing stated that a passive Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor would be an available future option. The sensor, mounted in a modified centerline fuel tank, detects long wave IR emissions to spot and track targets such as aircraft;Frost, Patricia. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-07-02-Boeing-Selects-Supplier-for-Super-Hornet-Block-II-Infrared-Search-and-Track-Capability "Boeing Selects Supplier for Super Hornet Block II Infrared Search and Track Capability."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923075302/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-07-02-Boeing-Selects-Supplier-for-Super-Hornet-Block-II-Infrared-Search-and-Track-Capability |date=23 September 2013}} Boeing, 2 July 2007. combat using the IRST and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles is immune to radar jamming.{{cite web |url=http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS00/20130918/101291/HHRG-113-AS00-Wstate-GreenertUSNJ-20130918.pdf |first=Admiral Jonathan |last=Greenert |author-link=Jonathan Greenert |title=Statement Before The House Armed Services Committee On Planning For Sequestration In FY 2014 And Perspectives Of The Military Services On The Strategic Choices And Management Review |date=18 September 2013 |publisher=US House of Representatives |access-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923100518/http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS00/20130918/101291/HHRG-113-AS00-Wstate-GreenertUSNJ-20130918.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2013 |url-status=live}} In May 2009, Lockheed Martin announced its selection by Boeing for the IRST's technology development phase,{{cite web |last= Kelly |first= Heather |url= http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2009/MFC_051809_LockheedMartinAwardedTechnology.html |title= Lockheed Martin Awarded Technology Development Contract for F/A-18E/F Infrared Search and Track Program |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090523114446/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2009/MFC_051809_LockheedMartinAwardedTechnology.html |archive-date= 23 May 2009 |website= Lockheed Martin Press Release |date= 18 May 2009}} and a contract followed in November 2011.{{cite web |last= Hilliard |first= Melissa |url= http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_112211_LMAwardedUSNavyFA18IRST.html |title= Lockheed Martin Awarded U.S. Navy F/A-18 E/F IRST Sensor System EMD Contract |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111125004629/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_112211_LMAwardedUSNavyFA18IRST.html |archive-date= 25 November 2011 |date= 22 November 2011}} {{As of|September 2013}}, a basic IRST would be fielded in 2016 and a longer-range Block II version in 2019. The sensor would be designated the AN/ASG-34(V) IRST21. An F/A-18F performed a flight equipped with the IRST system in February 2014, and Milestone C approval authorizing low-rate initial production (LRIP) was granted in December 2014. The sequestration cuts in 2013 would cause years of delay, and the Navy chose to skip the basic version and transition directly to the Block II IRST for operational service. After initial production quality issues, the IRST became operational in January 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.twz.com/f-a-18s-infrared-search-and-track-system-plagued-by-delays |title=F/A-18's Infrared Search And Track System Plagued By Delays |work=The War Zone |date=9 June 2023}}{{cite web |last=West |first=Lisa |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-infrared-sensors-cleared-for-f-a-18-super-hornet/ |title=New infrared sensors cleared for F/A-18 Super Hornet |work=UK Defense Journal |date=7 February 2025}}

Boeing and Northrop Grumman self-funded a prototype of the Advanced Super Hornet.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2013/05/09/boeing-aims-to-keep-building-fa-18-jets-through-2020/|title=Boeing aims to keep building F/A-18 jets through 2020|author=Andrea Shalal-Esa|work=Fox Business|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402205705/http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2013/05/09/boeing-aims-to-keep-building-fa-18-jets-through-2020/|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} The prototype features a 50% reduction in frontal radar cross-section (RCS), conformal fuel tanks (CFT), and an enclosed weapons pod.{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/boeing/Features/2013/08/bds_adv_super_hornet_08_28_13.page|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831111223/http://www.boeing.com/boeing/Features/2013/08/bds_adv_super_hornet_08_28_13.page|url-status=dead|title=Boeing: Advanced Super Hornet makes its debut|archivedate=31 August 2013}}[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-to-demo-super-hornet-enhancements-in-summer-384367/ Boeing to demo Super Hornet enhancements in summer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910103903/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-to-demo-super-hornet-enhancements-in-summer-384367/ |date=10 September 2013}} Flightglobal.com, 9 April 2013 Features could also be integrated onto the EA-18G Growler: using CFTs on the EA-18G fleet was speculated as useful for relieving underwing space and lowering the drag margin for the Next Generation Jammer.{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130913/DEFREG02/309130015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130913180632/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130913/DEFREG02/309130015|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 September 2013|title=Boeing Pushing Airframe Envelope|work=Defense News|access-date=1 April 2015}}[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-shows-off-advanced-super-hornet-demonstrator-389930/ "Boeing shows off advanced Super Hornet demonstrator."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903094619/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-shows-off-advanced-super-hornet-demonstrator-389930/ |date=3 September 2013}} Flight International, 28 August 2013. Flight tests of the Advanced Super Hornet began on 5 August 2013 and continued for three weeks, testing the performance of CFTs, the enclosed weapons pod (EWP), and signature enhancements.[http://www.deagel.com/news/Advanced-Super-Hornet-Demonstrates-Significant-Stealth-Range-Improvements_n000011848.aspx "Advanced Super Hornet Demonstrates Significant Stealth, Range Improvements."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901080607/http://www.deagel.com/news/Advanced-Super-Hornet-Demonstrates-Significant-Stealth-Range-Improvements_n000011848.aspx |date=1 September 2013}} Deagel, 28 August 2013. The U.S. Navy was reportedly pleased with the Advanced Super Hornet's flight test results, and hopes it will provide future procurement options.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/navy-pleased-with-quotadvancedquot-super-hornet-tests-wants-more-397927/ "Navy pleased with "Advanced" Super Hornet tests, wants more Growlers."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408220530/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/navy-pleased-with-quotadvancedquot-super-hornet-tests-wants-more-397927/ |date=8 April 2014}} Flight International, 7 April 2014. Although the Advanced Super Hornet was not pursued, many elements would be transferred to the Block III.{{cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/navy-league/2018/04/09/how-stealthy-is-boeings-new-super-hornet/ |title= How stealthy is Boeing's new Super Hornet?|date=8 April 2018 |work=Defense News}}

In 2013, the U.S. Navy was considering the widespread adoption of CFTs, which would allow the Super Hornet to carry {{convert|3500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of additional fuel. Budgetary pressures from the F-35C Lightning II and Pacific region operations were cited as reasons supporting the use of CFTs. Flight testing demonstrated CFTs could slightly reduce drag while expanding the combat range by {{convert|260|nmi|mi km}}.Norris, Guy. [http://www.aviationweek.com/awin/ArticlesStory.aspx?&id=/article-xml/AW_12_16_2013_p28-645490.xml "Future Options: Conformal fuel tank attracts Navy interest as part of possible Super Hornet upgrade"]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Subscription required}}. Aviation Week and Space Technology, 16 December 2013, pp. 28–29. The prototype CFT weighed {{convert|1500|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, while production CFTs are expected to weigh {{convert|870|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Boeing stated that the CFTs do not add any cruise drag but acknowledged a negative impact imposed on transonic acceleration due to increased wave drag. General Electric's enhanced performance engine (EPE), increasing the F414-GE-400's power output by 20%, was suggested as a mitigating measure.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-may-add-conformal-fuel-tanks-to-fa-18ef-super-hornet-fleet-383701/ US Navy may add conformal fuel tanks to F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910113557/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-may-add-conformal-fuel-tanks-to-fa-18ef-super-hornet-fleet-383701/ |date=10 September 2013}} Flightglobal.com, 20 March 2013. In 2021, the U.S. Navy halted plans to fit CFTs as standard on all Block III Super Hornets due to cost, schedule, and performance issues.{{cite web|url=https://autobala.com/the-navy-suspends-plans-to-give-its-super-hornet-a-conformal-fuel-tank/155334/|title=The Navy suspends plans to give its Super Hornet a conformal fuel tank|date=26 August 2021|access-date=15 January 2022|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115231452/https://autobala.com/the-navy-suspends-plans-to-give-its-super-hornet-a-conformal-fuel-tank/155334/|url-status=dead}}

In 2009, development commenced on several engine improvements, including greater resistance to foreign object damage, reduced fuel burn rate, and potentially increased thrust of up to 20%.Norris, Guy. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=mro&id=news/ge5149.xml "GE Eyes More Powerful Engine For Super Hornets, Growlers."] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Aviation Week, 14 May 2009. Retrieved: 25 July 2011.Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/12/326376/boeings-super-hornet-seeks-export-sale-to-launch-20-thrust.html "Boeing's Super Hornet seeks export sale to launch 20% thrust upgrade."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515025025/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/05/12/326376/boeings-super-hornet-seeks-export-sale-to-launch-20-thrust.html |date=15 May 2009}} Flight International, 12 May 2009. In 2014, Boeing revealed a Super Hornet hybrid concept, equipped with the EA-18G Growler's electronic signal detection capabilities to allow for targets engagement using the receiver; the concept did not include the ALQ-99 jamming pod. Growth capabilities could include the addition of a long-range infrared search and track sensor and new air-to-air tracking modes.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-plots-hybrid-super-hornetgrowler-future-400766/ "Boeing plots hybrid Super Hornet/Growler future."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629005406/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-plots-hybrid-super-hornetgrowler-future-400766/ |date=29 June 2014}} Flight International, 25 June 2014.

File:F-18F refueling F-18E.jpg, 2007|alt=Two aircraft flying high above clouds, transferring fuel through a pipe to which the lower aircraft is connected.]]

The Super Hornet is largely a new aircraft at about 20% larger, {{convert|7000|lb|abbr=on}} heavier empty weight, and {{convert|15000|lb|abbr=on}} heavier maximum weight than the original Hornet. The Super Hornet carries 33% more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41% and endurance by 50% over the "Legacy" Hornet. The empty weight of the Super Hornet is about {{convert|11000|lb|abbr=on}} less than that of the F-14 Tomcat which it replaced, while approaching, but not matching, the F-14's payload and range.{{cite journal |last1= Kress |first1= Bob |first2= Rear Admiral USN ret. Paul |last2= Gilchrist |url= http://www.flightjournal.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=PubPagi&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle+Title&mid=13B2F0D0AFA04476A2ACC02ED28A405F&tier=4&id=660129034AD142DEB047684EBF25581F |title= F-14D Tomcat vs. F/18 E/F Super Hornet |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110928183625/http://www.flightjournal.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=PubPagi&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle+Title&mid=13B2F0D0AFA04476A2ACC02ED28A405F&tier=4&id=660129034AD142DEB047684EBF25581F |archive-date= 28 September 2011 |journal= Flight Journal Magazine |date= February 2002 |url-status=dead|df= dmy-all}}{{refn |"It (Super Hornet) has only 36 percent of the F-14's payload/range capability."|group=N}} Although lacking some of the F-14's raw performance, the F/A-18E/F has much better handling characteristics and controllability and was also significantly more reliable and affordable to operate. With the Super Hornet being significantly heavier than the legacy Hornet, the catapult and arresting systems must be set differently. To aid safe flight operations and prevent confusion in radio calls, the Super Hornet is informally referred to as the "Rhino" to distinguish it from earlier Hornets partly because of the AN/APX-111 "pizza box" IFF antenna protruding on top of the nose. (The "Rhino" nickname was previously applied to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which was retired from US Navy combat use in 1987.){{cite web |url=https://www.dla.mil/About-DLA/Images/igphoto/2002097951/ |title=The F-18 Super Hornet is also called the "Rhino" because of a rhino-like protrusion on the front part of the aircraft's radome. |work=Defense Logistics Agency |date=14 June 2005}}

The Super Hornet, unlike the previous Hornet, can be equipped with an aerial refueling system (ARS) or "buddy store" for the refueling of other aircraft,{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990414o.htm |title= Boeing Super Hornet Demonstrates Aerial Refueling Capability |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111104063941/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990414o.htm |archive-date=4 November 2011 |website= Boeing Global Strike Systems |date= 14 April 1999 |access-date= 25 July 2011}} filling the tactical airborne tanker role the Navy had lost with the retirement of the KA-6D and Lockheed S-3B Viking tankers. The ARS includes an external {{convert|330|USgal|L|abbr=on}} tank with hose reel on the centerline, along with four external {{convert|480|USgal|L|abbr=on}} tanks and internal tanks, for a total of {{convert|29000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of fuel on the aircraft.Donald 2004, p. 76. On typical missions a fifth of the air wing is dedicated to the tanker role, which consumes aircraft fatigue life expectancy faster than other missions.{{cite web |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/04/01/uclass-used-tanker-carrier-air-wing |title=UCLASS Could Be Used as Tanker for Carrier Air Wing |last1=Majumdar |first1=Dave |date=1 April 2014 |website=news.usni.org |publisher=U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE |access-date=3 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404212048/http://news.usni.org/2014/04/01/uclass-used-tanker-carrier-air-wing |archive-date=4 April 2014 |url-status=live}} It most commonly uses JP-5 jet fuel.{{cite web | url=https://dgci.com/insight/fuels-that-dgci-often-provides/#:~:text=F18%20is%20a%20low%20lead,also%20known%20as%20AVGAS%20100LL.&text=Military%20Specification%20JP4%20and%20NATO,inhibitor%20and%20anti%2Dicing%20additives | title=DGC International }}

File:Hornet vs Superhornet.jpgs|alt=Comparisons between rectangular and oval jet engine intakes]]

The forward fuselage is unchanged, but the remainder of the aircraft shares little with earlier F/A-18C/D models. The fuselage was stretched by {{convert|34|in|cm|abbr=on}} to make room for fuel and future avionics upgrades and increased the wing area by 25%,Donald 2004, pp. 49–52. yet the Super Hornet has 42% fewer structural parts than the original Hornet.[http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/fa18-super-hornet/ "F/A-18E/F Super Hornet – maritime strike attack aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811031631/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/fa18-super-hornet/ |date=11 August 2011}} naval-technology.com. Retrieved: 9 September 2011. The wings have a dogtooth extension and a strip of porous surface at the folding joint to mitigate "wing drop".{{refn|Wing drop is an uncommanded roll that can occur during transonic maneuvering.|group=N}} The General Electric F414 engine, developed from the Hornet's F404, has 35% additional thrust over most of the flight envelope and is rated at {{convert|22000|lbf|kN|0|abbr=on}} in afterburner.Elward 2001, p. 77. The Super Hornet can return to an aircraft carrier with a larger load of unspent fuel and munitions than the Hornet; this ability is known as "bringback", which for the Super Hornet is in excess of {{convert|9000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal |last= Peterson |first= Donald |url= http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/june_02_07.php |title= Ready On Arrival: Super Hornet Joins The Fleet: An Evolutionary Design Delivers Revolutionary Capabilities |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020620040756/http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/june_02_07.php |archive-date= 20 June 2002 |journal= Sea Power |publisher= Navy League |date= June 2002}}

File:US Navy 070306-N-8446A-011 An F-A-18E Super Hornet from the "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 prepares to conduct an arrested landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eis.jpg

Other differences include larger rectangular caret inlets with fixed ramps for the more powerful engines and two extra wing hard points for payload (for a total of 11), retaining previous hardpoints on the bottom centerline, wingtips, and two conformal fuselage positions.Elward 2001, pp. 74–75. Among the most significant aerodynamic changes are the enlarged leading edge extensions (LEX) that provide improved vortex lifting characteristics in high angle of attack maneuvers, and reduce the static stability margin to enhance pitching characteristics. This modification results in pitch rates in excess of 40 degrees per second, and high resistance to departure from controlled flight.[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/index.htm "F/A-18E/F Super Hornet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070116201858/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/index.htm |date=16 January 2007}} Boeing. Retrieved: 16 August 2010. Due to concerns over released stores potentially striking the airframe from early wind tunnel testing, all underwing pylons are canted outwards slightly; although this was later determined to be unnecessary, production tooling had already been adjusted so the canted pylons remained to save development costs and avoid revalidating all flight testing. While the effects are marginal for cruise drag, they are more substantial for transonic and supersonic drag.{{cite interview |last=Niewoehner |first=Robert "Knockers" |subject-link= |interviewer-last=Sinclair |interviewer-first=Brian "Sunshine" |title=Super Hornet Chief Test Pilot |work=Test Pilot Series |date=20 February 2023 |publisher=Authentic Media |location= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX5sJ6BUMzM |access-date=}}

{{further|Radar cross-section}}

{{Multiple image

| direction = vertical

| image1 = Boeing F-A-18F Super Hornet, United States - US Navy (USN) JP7509785.jpg

| image2 = US Navy 101219-N-5016P-001 An F-A-18 Super Hornet is chained to the flight deck aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).jpg

| caption2 = The S-duct-like air intake partially conceals engine blades from radar waves.

}}

Survivability is a key feature of the Super Hornet. The U.S. Navy took a "balanced approach" to survivability in its design.Gaddis, Capt. "BD". [http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2007psa_apr/gaddis.pdf "F/A-18 & EF-18G Program brief."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528120329/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2007psa_apr/gaddis.pdf |date=28 May 2008}} U.S. Navy, 24 April 2007. It does not rely primarily on low-observability technology, but rather adopts improvements to its radar signature alongside other innovations; incorporating more advanced electronic warfare capabilities, reduced ballistic vulnerability, and greater employment of standoff weapons to collectively enhance crew and aircraft safety.[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/aircraft/fa18/shornet.html "F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet... Leading Naval Aviation into the 21st Century."] {{Webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110226085722/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/aircraft/fa18/shornet.html |date=26 February 2011}} U.S. Navy, 17 August 2009. While the F/A-18E/F is not a stealth fighter like the F-22, it does have a frontal radar cross-section (RCS) an order of magnitude smaller than prior generation fighters. Additional changes for reducing RCS can be installed on an as-needed basis.{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/03/usn-looking-at-adding-conforma.html |title=USN looking at adding conformal fuel tanks on F/A-18E/F--also a look at Super Hornet RCS reduction measures |work=The DEW Line |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608094750/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline//2013/03/usn-looking-at-adding-conforma.html |archive-date=8 June 2013 |url-status=live}}

The F/A-18E/F's RCS is reduced greatly from some aspects, mainly the front and rear. The design of the caret engine inlets reduces the aircraft's frontal radar cross-section, with the alignment of the leading edges of the inlets designed to scatter radiation to the sides. Fixed fanlike reflecting structures in the inlet tunnel divert radar energy away from the rotating fan blades.Donald 2004, pp. 50–51, 56. The Super Hornet also makes considerable use of panel joint serration and edge alignment to direct reflected waves away from the aircraft in uniformly narrow angles. Considerable attention is paid to the removal or filling of unnecessary surface join gaps and resonant cavities. Where the F/A-18A-D used grilles to cover various accessory exhaust and inlet ducts, the F/A-18E/F uses perforated panels that appear opaque to radar waves at the frequencies used.

File:F-A-18F Super Hornet Cockpit (51613522112).jpgs.]]

Initially, the Super Hornet's avionics and software had a 90% commonality with that of the F/A-18C/D fleet at the time, with further upgraded avionics introduced in successive Blocks. Differences include an up-front touchscreen control display; a large multipurpose color liquid-crystal display; and a fuel display. The Super Hornet has a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system,Winchester 2006, p. 166. as well as a digital flight-control system that detects and corrects for battle damage. Initial production models used the APG-73 radar, later replaced by the AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA). The AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward Looking InfraRed), is the main electro-optical sensor and laser designator pod for the Super Hornet. The communications equipment consist of an AN/ARC-210 VHF/UHF radio{{cite web |url= http://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=F/A-18%20Super%20Hornet#Flight%20and%20Data%20Management |title= Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110917032527/http://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=F%2FA-18%20Super%20Hornet#Flight%20and%20Data%20Management |archive-date= 17 September 2011 |website= airframer.com |access-date= 12 February 2011 |url-status=dead|df= dmy-all}} and a MIDS-JTRS low volume terminal for HAVE QUICK, SINCGARS and Link 16 connectivity.

The defensive countermeasures of Block I aircraft includes the AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver, the AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser, the AN/ALE-50 towed decoy and the AN/ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Protect Jammer (ASPJ). Block II aircraft replace the ALQ-165 with the AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Countermeasures (IDECM) system, consisting of internally mounted threat receivers and optional self-protection jammers. Interior and exterior lighting on the Block II was changed to allow the use of night vision devices. The older ALE-50 decoys are being replaced by ALE-55 towed decoys, which can transmit jamming signals based on data received from the IDECM.{{cite web |last=Fulghum |first=David A. |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw022607p2.xml |url-status=dead |title=Navy Details New Super Hornet Capabilities |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223114652/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news%2Faw022607p2.xml |archive-date=23 February 2012 |work=Aviation Week and Space Technology |date=25 February 2007 |access-date=31 December 2023}}

Beginning in 2005, Block II aircraft were fitted with the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, capable of executing simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks, and providing higher quality high-resolution ground mapping at long standoff ranges.[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/new-apg79-aesa-radars-for-super-hornets-0411/ "New APG-79 AESA Radars for Super Hornets."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607000851/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/new-apg79-aesa-radars-for-super-hornets-0411/ |date=7 June 2011}} Defense Industry Daily, 26 April 2005. Retrieved: 8 July 2011. The AESA radar can also detect smaller targets, such as inbound missiles"New U.S. Navy Radar Detects Cruise Missiles." Aviation Week and Space Technology, 30 April 2007. and can track air targets beyond the range of the aircraft's air-to-air missiles.{{cite web |first= Nicolette |last= Cormier |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=2498 |title= F/A-18 AESA – New Technology Revolutionizes Radar Benefits |website= U.S. Navy |date= 8 July 2002 |access-date= 28 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150213222707/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=2498 |archive-date= 13 February 2015 |url-status= dead}} VFA-213, the first squadron to fly AESA-equipped Super Hornets, became "safe for flight" (independently fly and maintain the F/A-18F) on 27 October 2006.{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q1/070108b_nr.html |title= Boeing F/A-18E/F Block 2 Super Hornets Flying at Naval Air Station Oceana |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070117124937/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q1/070108b_nr.html |archive-date= 17 January 2007 |author= Boeing |website= Boeing.com |date= 8 January 2007}} The first Super Hornet upgraded with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) was delivered to VFA-213 on 18 May 2007.[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?session=dae.26033479.1179869744.1P9yyH8AAAEAABZmbDoAAAAB&manuel_call_cat=3&manuel_call_prod=82407&manuel_call_mod=release&modele=jdc_inter "Boeing Dual-Cockpit Cueing System Introduced to U.S. Navy Squadron."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221215040/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?session=dae.26033479.1179869744.1P9yyH8AAAEAABZmbDoAAAAB&manuel_call_cat=3&manuel_call_prod=82407&manuel_call_mod=release&modele=jdc_inter |date=21 December 2007}} defense-aerospace.com. Retrieved 16 August 2010. The JHMCS provides multi-purpose situational awareness, which includes high-off-boresight missile cuing. The Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a high-resolution, digital tactical aerial reconnaissance system that features advanced day/night and all-weather capability.Clemons, John. [http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=575&pagetemplate=release "Raytheon Awarded Navy Contract to Increase SHARP System Capability."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714065444/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=575&pagetemplate=release |date=14 July 2011}} Raytheon, 4 October 2006. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System low volume communication terminal is being upgraded with the MIDS-JTRS system,Rosenberg-Macaulay, Barry. [http://defensesystems.com/microsites/2010-jtrs/mids.aspx "MIDS JTRS systems poised to bring IP networking to the aerial tier."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215005546/http://defensesystems.com/microsites/2010-jtrs/mids.aspx |date=15 December 2010}} defensesystems.com, 2011. Retrieved: 12 February 2011. which will allow a tenfold increase in bandwidth as well as compatibility with the Joint Tactical Radio System standards.{{cite journal |url= http://www.military-information-technology.com/mit-home/276-mit-2010-volume-14-issue-8-september/3398-jtrs-update.html |title= JTRS Update: MIDS Blazes JTRS Trail |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110714094421/http://www.military-information-technology.com/mit-home/276-mit-2010-volume-14-issue-8-september/3398-jtrs-update.html |archive-date= 14 July 2011 |journal= Military Information Technology |volume= 14 |issue= 8 |date= September 2010 |access-date= 12 February 2011 |issn= 1097-1041}}

The avionics of Block III aircraft, first delivered in 2021, incorporates an improved cockpit with all MFDs replaced by a large-area {{Convert|10|x|19|in|cm|abbr=on}} touchscreen display, updated integration and targeting networks, an updated processor, and an open mission systems architecture.{{cite journal |url= https://news.usni.org/2019/04/04/42424 |title= Navy's Next-Generation Fighter Analysis Due Out this Summer |journal= USNI News |author= Ben Werner |date= 4 April 2019 |access-date= 7 June 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190607062510/https://news.usni.org/2019/04/04/42424 |archive-date= 7 June 2019 |url-status= live}}{{cite web |last=Eckstein |first=Megan |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/09/27/boeing-delivers-first-block-iii-super-hornets-to-the-us-navy/ |title=Boeing delivers first Block III Super Hornets to the US Navy |work=Defense News |date=27 September 2021}} Block II aircraft can be upgraded to the Block III configuration.{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2023/07/19/block-iii-upgrades-on-usn-sh-begin/ |last=D'Urso |first=Stefan |title=Boeing Begins Block III Upgrades On U.S. Navy's Super Hornets |work=The Aviationist |date=19 July 2023}} For passive infrared detection and targeting, the aircraft can carry the AN/ASG-34(V)1 IRST21 sensor contained in a modified centerline FPU-13 external fuel tank; the sensor occupies for forward portion of the tank, reducing its capacity to 340 gallons. The ATFLIR is planned to be replaced by the AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening targeting pod.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/litening-targeting-pod-tested-on-f-a-18-super-hornet-for-first-time|title=LITENING Targeting Pod Tested On F/A-18 Super Hornet For First Time|first=Emma|last=Helfrich|date=7 September 2022|website=The Drive}}{{cite web |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/f/a-18e/f-completes-initial-litening-pod-testing |title=F/A-18E/F completes initial Litening pod testing |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=1 November 2024}}

File:F-18E Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) flight ops CVN-72 2002-10-04.jpg

In 1999, the Super Hornet entered fleet service with the U.S. Navy.Naval Aviation News March–April 1999, p. 30 "fleet service in January 1999"{{Full citation needed|date=June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2019/02/04/navys-last-f-18-hornet-squadron-holds-sundown-ceremony-will-transition-to-super-hornet|title=Navy's Last F-18 Hornet Squadron Sundowns Ahead of Transition to Super Hornet|date=4 February 2019|website=USNI News}} It achieved initial operating capability (IOC) in September 2001 with the U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. VFA-115 was also the first unit to take their F/A-18s into combat. On 6 November 2002, two F/A-18Es conducted a "Response Option" strike in support of Operation Southern Watch on two surface-to-air missile launchers at Al Kut, Iraq and an air defense command and control bunker at Tallil air base. One of the pilots dropped {{convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} JDAM bombs from the Super Hornet for the first time during combat.Holmes 2004, p. 11.

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq War), VFA-14, VFA-41 and VFA-115 flew close air support, strike, escort, SEAD and aerial refueling sorties. Two F/A-18Es from VFA-14 and two F/A-18Fs from VFA-41 were forward deployed to {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|2}}. The VFA-14 aircraft flew mostly as aerial refuelers and the VFA-41 fighters as Forward Air Controller (Airborne) or FAC(A)s. On 6 April 2005, VFA-154 and VFA-147 (the latter squadron then still operating F/A-18Cs) dropped two {{convert|500|lb|kg|adj=on}} laser-guided bombs on an enemy insurgent location east of Baghdad.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}} On 8 September 2006, VFA-211 F/A-18Fs expended GBU-12 and GBU-38 bombs against Taliban fighters and Taliban fortifications west and northwest of Kandahar as part of Operations Medusa and Enduring Freedom. This was the first time the unit had participated in an active combat capacity using the Super Hornet.{{cite press release |url=https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25504 |title=Strikes Continue: ISAF Air Component Commander Visits Big E. |url-status=dead |publisher=United States Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807035301/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25504 |archive-date=7 August 2011 |date=9 November 2006 |access-date=9 September 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-enterprise-aircraft-deliver-lethal-sting-of-bombs-to-enemy-in-afghanistan-1.55370 |title=USS Enterprise aircraft deliver lethal sting of bombs to enemy in Afghanistan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629082019/http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-enterprise-aircraft-deliver-lethal-sting-of-bombs-to-enemy-in-afghanistan-1.55370 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |work=Stars and Stripes |last=Svan |first=Jennifer H. |date=13 October 2006}}

File:F18 operation uss carl vinson.ogg

During the 2006–2007 cruise with {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower||2}}, VFA-103 and VFA-143 supported Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and operations off the Somali coast. Alongside "Legacy Hornet" squadrons, VFA-131 and VFA-83, they dropped 140 precision guided weapons and performed nearly 70 strafing runs.{{cite press release |first=Shannon |last=Moore |url=https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29568 |title=CVW-7 Sailors Complete an Eight-Month Deployment |publisher=United States Navy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329050123/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29568 |archive-date=29 March 2012 |date=22 May 2007 |access-date=16 August 2010}} The Super Hornet can operate from the French aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle||2}}.{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2014/01/20/hornet-on-french-carrier/ |title=U.S. F/A-18E Hornet operates from French Aircraft Carrier |last=Cenciotti |first=David |work=The Aviationist |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=8 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514230235/http://theaviationist.com/2014/01/20/hornet-on-french-carrier/ |archive-date=14 May 2015 |url-status=live}}

File:VF-143 F-14 F-18 2005.jpg

On 7 August 2014, U.S. defense officials announced they had been authorized to launch bombing missions upon Islamic State (IS) forces in northern Iraq. The decision to take direct action was made to protect U.S. personnel in the city of Irbil and to ensure the safety of transport aircraft making airdrops to Yazidi civilians. Early on 8 August, two Super Hornets took off from {{USS|George H.W. Bush||2}} and dropped 500 lb laser-guided bombs on a "mobile artillery piece" the militants had been using to shell Kurdish forces defending the city.[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140807/NEWS08/308070083/U-S-fighters-pound-militants-northern-Iraq U.S. fighters pound militants in northern Iraq] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808145329/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140807/NEWS08/308070083/U-S-fighters-pound-militants-northern-Iraq |date=8 August 2014}} - Militarytimes.com, 7 August 2014[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usn-carries-out-air-strike-on-iraqi-militants-402536/ USN carries out air strike on Iraqi militants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809111943/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usn-carries-out-air-strike-on-iraqi-militants-402536/ |date=9 August 2014}} - Flightglobal.com, 8 August 2014 Later that day, four more aircraft struck a seven-vehicle convoy and a mortar position.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140812070832/http://defensetech.org/2014/08/08/naval-power-bolsters-u-s-airstrikes-in-iraq/ Naval Power Bolsters U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq]}} - Defensetech.org, 8 August 2014

File:US Navy 090429-N-9062E-001 An F-A-18F Super Hornet from the.jpg in 2009]]

On 18 June 2017, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E shot down a Syrian Air Force Su-22 fighter-bomber that allegedly had bombed a position held by U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Tabqa; the Syrian government claimed the Su-22 was bombing an IS position. This was the first aerial kill of a crewed aircraft by an American fighter since 1999, the first by the Navy since the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the first kill by a Super Hornet, and the third kill by an F/A-18.[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/18/us-navy-fa18e-shoots-down-su22-over-syria.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm "US F/A-18E Shoots Down Syrian Su-22 in Air-to-Air Kill"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618221642/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/18/us-navy-fa18e-shoots-down-su22-over-syria.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=18 June 2017}}. Military.com, 18 June 2017. An E-3 Sentry issued several warnings to the Su-22 and, after it dropped bombs near SDF fighters, the F/A-18E, piloted by Lieutenant Commander Michael "MOB" Tremel, a pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 87 aboard the carrier George H.W. Bush, independently chose to shoot it down based on established rules of engagement. The F/A-18E first missed with an AIM-9X Sidewinder, then hit the Su-22 with an AIM-120 AMRAAM; the encounter lasted eight minutes.[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/07/31/report-navy-pilot-breaks-silence-shooting-down-syrian-fighter.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm Report: Navy Pilot Breaks Silence About Shooting Down Syrian Fighter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801085640/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/07/31/report-navy-pilot-breaks-silence-shooting-down-syrian-fighter.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=1 August 2017}} - Military.com, 31 July 2017

In 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert nine single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels use; these were to be completed by 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-to-convert-fa-18-efs-into-blue-angels-451138/|title=Boeing to convert F/A-18 E/Fs into Blue Angels|date=15 August 2018|author=Garrett Reim|work=flightglobal.com|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816122708/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-to-convert-fa-18-efs-into-blue-angels-451138/|archive-date=16 August 2018|url-status=live}}

On 26 December 2023, Super Hornets from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with the accompanying destroyer {{USS|Laboon}}, destroyed 12 attack drones, three anti-ship missiles and two ground attack cruise missiles fired by Houthi forces in the southern Red Sea.{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2023/12/26/u-s-destroyer-super-hornets-splash-red-sea-attack-drones-and-missiles |title=U.S Destroyer, Super Hornets Splash Red Sea Attack Drones and Missiles |work=USNI News |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=26 December 2023 |access-date=31 December 2023}} Around 2:30 AM local time on 12 January 2024, Houthi targets were struck by U.S. Navy, USAF, and RAF forces in response to Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Super Hornets from Dwight D. Eisenhower took part in the strikes, which in total hit 60 targets at 16 locations using over 100 PGMs of various types.[https://news.usni.org/2024/01/11/us-strikes-houthi-targets-in-yemen-from-air-surface-and-subsurface U.S. Hits Houthi Targets in Yemen with Strike Fighters, Warships and Submarines]. USNI News. 11 January 2024.[https://news.usni.org/2024/01/12/ikes-carrier-air-wing-3-uss-gravely-uss-philippine-sea-and-uss-mason-struck-houthi-targets Ike’s Carrier Air Wing 3, USS Gravely, USS Philippine Sea and USS Mason Struck Houthi Targets]. USNI News. 12 January 2024.[https://www.airandspaceforces.com/us-uk-strike-houthis-yemen/ US, UK Strike Houthis in Yemen Following Ship Attacks]. Air & Space Forces Magazine. 11 January 2024. On 22 December 2024, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-11 was shot down by {{USS|Gettysburg|CG-64|6}} in a friendly fire incident. Both crewmembers of the aircraft survived.{{cite news |last1=Liebermann |first1=Oren |title=Two US Navy pilots eject safely over Red Sea after fighter jet shot down in apparent friendly fire incident |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/21/politics/us-fighter-jet-shot-down-red-sea/index.html |access-date=23 December 2024 |publisher=CNN |date=22 December 2024}} On 28 April, while under attack by missiles and drones from the Houthis, Harry S. Truman made a hard turn and a F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-136, which was being towed in the hangar, fell overboard as a result. The plane was lost at sea.{{cite news |title=US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/28/politics/us-navy-jet-overboard/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=blueskyCNN&utm_content=2025-04-28T19%3A23%3A01 |first1=Haley |last1=Britzky |first2=Natasha |last2=Bertrand |first3=Brad |last3=Lendon |work=CNN |date=29 April 2025 |access-date=29 April 2025}} On 6 May, a second Super Hornet was lost when arresting gear failed to catch the plane during landing.{{cite news |last1=Gains |first1=Mosheh |title=Second fighter jet crashes into the sea after landing failure on USS Harry S. Truman |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/another-fighter-jet-lost-sea-falling-harry-s-truman-aircraft-carrier-rcna205266 |access-date=6 May 2025 |work=NBC News |date=6 May 2025 |language=en}}

On 3 May 2007, the Australian Government signed a $2.9 billion contract to acquire 24 F/A-18Fs as an interim replacement for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) aging F-111s.[https://archive.today/20120802173822/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=6619 "Super Hornet Acquisition Contract Signed."] defence.gov.au, 5 March 2007. Retrieved: 16 August 2010. It was reported that the order would also address any difficulties that might be caused by a need to quickly replace the RAAF's existing fleet of classic F/A-18A/B Hornets in the event of delays to the F-35 program.Baker, Richard. [http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/the-hornets-nest/2007/07/08/1183833340924.html "The Hornet's nest."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712235846/http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/the-hornets-nest/2007/07/08/1183833340924.html |date=12 July 2007}} The Age, 9 July 2007. The total cost of the purchase, with training and support over 10 years, was expected to be A$6 billion (US$4.6 billion).{{cite web |url= http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/NelsonMinSpeechtpl.cfm?CurrentId=6442 |title= Australia to Acquire 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110312164435/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/NelsonMinSpeechtpl.cfm?CurrentId=6442 |archive-date= 12 March 2011 |website= minister.defence.gov.au |date= 6 March 2007 |access-date= 16 August 2010}}

File:F-111 F-A-18F.jpg

The order was controversial; Air Vice Marshal (retired) Peter Criss, said that he was "absolutely astounded" that $6 billion would be spent on an interim aircraft,[http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2007/s1873007.htm "The 7.30 Report: Nelson stands by fighter jet decision."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012122256/http://abc.net.au/7.30/content/2007/s1873007.htm |date=12 October 2007}} Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), 15 March 2007. and cited the US Senate Armed Services Committee, to the effect that the "excess power" of the Block I Super Hornet was inferior to that of the MiG-29 and Su-30, both of which were being operated by, or were on order for, air forces in South East Asia.Criss, Peter. [https://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/there-is-nothing-super-about-this-hornet/2007/03/14/1173722557984.html?page=fullpage "There is nothing super about this Hornet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012084040/http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/there-is-nothing-super-about-this-hornet/2007/03/14/1173722557984.html?page=fullpage |date=12 October 2007}} The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 March 2007. Retrieved: 9 May 2007. Another former senior RAAF officer, Air Commodore (ret.) Ted Bushell stated that the F/A-18F could not perform the strategic deterrent/strike role of the F-111C and the latter could continue to operate until 2020 at least. On 31 December 2007, the new Australian Labor government announced a review of the RAAF's aircraft procurement plans citing suitability concerns, the lack of a proper review process, and beliefs that an interim fighter was not needed.Allard, Tom. [https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/axe-to-fall-on-fighter-jets/2007/12/30/1198949675365.html "Axe set to fall on Nelson's fighters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102163820/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/axe-to-fall-on-fighter-jets/2007/12/30/1198949675365.html |date=2 January 2008}} The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 December 2007.

On 17 March 2008, the Government announced that it would proceed to acquire 24 F/A-18Fs.[http://news.theage.com.au/national/govt-to-keep-super-hornets-20080317-1zwr.html "Govt to keep Super Hornets."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113124/http://news.theage.com.au/national/govt-to-keep-super-hornets-20080317-1zwr.html |date=6 July 2011}} The Age, 17 March 2008. Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon called the Super Hornet an "excellent aircraft", and indicated that costs and logistical factors contributed to the decision: the F-111's retirement was "irreversible"; "only" the F/A-18F could meet the timeframe and that termination involved "significant financial penalties and create understandable tensions between the contract partners."[http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/government-clears-super-hornets-deal/2008/03/17/1205602284435.html "Government clears Super Hornets deal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503134428/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/government-clears-super-hornets-deal/2008/03/17/1205602284435.html |date=3 May 2014}} The Age, 17 March 2008.Dunlop, Tim. [http://blogs.news.com.au/news/blogocracy/index.php/news/comments/super_hornets_are_go/ "Super Hornets are go."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201211829/http://blogs.news.com.au/news/blogocracy/index.php/news/comments/super_hornets_are_go/ |date=1 December 2008}} news.com.au, 18 March 2008. The Block II aircraft offered include installed engines and six spares, APG-79 AESA radars, Link 16 connectivity, LAU-127 guided missile launchers, AN/ALE-55 fiber optic towed decoys and other equipment.{{cite web |url= http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2007/Australia_07-13.pdf |title= Australia – F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090226214737/http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2007/Australia_07-13.pdf |archive-date= 26 February 2009 |website= U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency |date= 6 February 2007}} On 27 February 2009, Fitzgibbon announced that 12 of the 24 F/A-18Fs would be wired on the production line for future modification as Boeing EA-18G Growlers at an additional cost of A$35 million. The final decision on the EA-18G conversion, at a cost of A$300 million, would be made in 2012.Smith, Jack. [http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/70tpl.cfm?CurrentId=8817 "Super Hornets wired for future upgrades."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323192545/http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/70tpl.cfm?CurrentId=8817 |date=23 March 2012}} Department of Defence, 27 February 2009. Retrieved: 9 September 2011.

File:A Royal Australian Air Force F-A-18F Super Hornet departs after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker.jpg

The first RAAF F/A-18F made its first flight from Boeing's factory in St. Louis, Missouri, on 21 July 2009.Carder, Phillip. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=754 "Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet for Australia Takes Flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725093749/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=754 |date=25 July 2011}} Boeing, 21 July 2009. RAAF crews began training in the U.S. in 2009. The first five F/A-18Fs arrived at their home base, RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, on 26 March 2010;[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-26/super-hornets-arrive-in-south-east-queensland/381726 "Super Hornets arrive in south-east Queensland."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113042505/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-26/super-hornets-arrive-in-south-east-queensland/381726 |date=13 November 2012}} ABC News, 26 March 2010. Retrieved: 15 July 2011. and were joined by six more aircraft on 7 July 2010.Hurst, Daniel. [http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/pilots-buzzing-as-super-hornets-arrive-20100706-zyhk.html "Pilots buzzing as Super Hornets arrive."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709004925/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/pilots-buzzing-as-super-hornets-arrive-20100706-zyhk.html |date=9 July 2010}} The Brisbane Times, 6 July 2010. After four more aircraft arrived in December 2010, the first RAAF F/A-18F squadron was declared operational on 9 December 2010.Waldron, Greg. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/09/350707/picture-australias-first-fa-18f-squadron-declared-operational.html "Australia’s first F/A-18F squadron declared operational."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212234457/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/09/350707/picture-australias-first-fa-18f-squadron-declared-operational.html |date=12 December 2010}} Flight International, 9 December 2010.

In 2008, U.S. export approval was sought for EA-18G Growlers.{{cite news |last= Dodd |first= Mark |url= http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24183656-31477,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080817141448/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C25197%2C24183656-31477%2C00.html |url-status=dead|archive-date= 17 August 2008 |title= RAAF likes the sound of the Growler |newspaper= The Australian |date= 15 August 2008 |df= dmy-all}} In December 2012, Australia sought cost information on acquiring a further 24 F/A-18Fs, which may be bought to avoid a capability gap due to F-35 delays.[http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/12/13/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-joint-media-release-australias-future-air-combat-capability/ "Joint Media Release: Australia’s future Air Combat Capability."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312073601/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/12/13/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-joint-media-release-australias-future-air-combat-capability/ |date=12 March 2013}} Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel (Australian Government Department of Defence), 13 December 2012. In February 2013, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for up to 12 F/A-18E/Fs and 12 EA-18Gs with associated equipment, training and logistical support.Taylor, Charles and Paul Ebner. [http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/australia_13-05_0.pdf "F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714191854/http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/australia_13-05_0.pdf |date=14 July 2015}} Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 28 February 2013. In May 2013, Australia announced the order of 12 new EA-18Gs instead of converting any F/A-18Fs.[http://washingtonexaminer.com/australia-plans-to-buy-12-ea-18g-growler-aircraft/article/feed/2095246 "Australia plans to buy 12 EA-18G Growlers."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021123657/http://washingtonexaminer.com/australia-plans-to-buy-12-ea-18g-growler-aircraft/article/feed/2095246 |date=21 October 2013}} Washingtonexaminer.com, 3 May 2013. In June 2014, Boeing received a contract for 12 EA-18Gs; the first was rolled out on 29 July 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com.au/featured-content/raaf-ea18g-growler-rollout.page?|title=Boeing: Boeing Australia — RAAF EA-18G Growler Rollout|work=Boeing|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112081851/http://www.boeing.com.au/featured-content/raaf-ea18g-growler-rollout.page|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-07-29-Boeing-Unveils-First-Royal-Australian-Air-Force-Growler|title=Boeing Unveils First Royal Australian Air Force Growler|work=News Releases/Statements|publisher=Boeing|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112142937/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-07-29-Boeing-Unveils-First-Royal-Australian-Air-Force-Growler|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=dead}}

On 24 September 2014, eight RAAF F/A-18Fs, along with a KC-30A tanker, an early warning aircraft, and 400 personnel arrived in the United Arab Emirates to take part in operations against Islamic State (IS) militants.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/24/australian-fighter-jets-and-air-force-personnel-arrive-in-middle-east |title=Australian fighter jets and air force personnel arrive in Middle East |work=The Guardian |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=24 September 2022 |access-date=15 August 2022}} On 5 October 2014, the RAAF officially started combat missions over Iraq using a pair of F/A-18Fs armed with GPS guided bombs, they returned safely to base without attacking targets.{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-06/first-armed-combat-mission-complete/5791898 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006051057/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-06/first-armed-combat-mission-complete/5791898 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |title=Australian Super Hornet fighter jets complete first armed mission over Iraq |work=ABC News (Australia) |date=5 October 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/raaf-conducts-first-iraq-combat-mission/story-e6frfkui-1227080984041 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006052118/http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/raaf-conducts-first-iraq-combat-mission/story-e6frfkui-1227080984041 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |title=RAAF conducts first Iraq combat mission |work=ABC News (Australia) |access-date=6 October 2014}} On 8 October 2014, an RAAF F/A-18F conducted its first attack, dropping two bombs on an ISIL facility in northern Iraq.[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20141008/NEWS08/310080066/Australia-launches-first-airstrike-Iraq Australia launches first airstrike in Iraq] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009005102/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20141008/NEWS08/310080066/Australia-launches-first-airstrike-Iraq |date=9 October 2014}} - Militarytimes.com, 8 October 2014 In 2017, EA-18Gs replaced No. 6 Squadron RAAF's F/A-18Fs, which were then transferred to No. 1 Squadron RAAF.{{cite web|url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2016/11/6-squadron-completes-final-super-hornet-flight/|title=6 Squadron Completes Final Super Hornet Flight|work=australianaviation.com.au|date=28 November 2016}}

On 8 December 2020, F/A-18F A44-223 rolled into a ditch while attempting to take off at RAAF Base Amberley, the crew ejected. An eyewitness reportedly observed smoke from one of the engines.{{cite web |url=https://7news.com.au/news/accidents/pilots-forced-to-eject-as-military-jet-emergency-unfolds-at-raaf-base-amberley-c-1730017 |title=Pilots forced to EJECT as military jet emergency unfolds at RAAF base Amberley |work=7news.com.au |date=8 December 2020 |access-date=11 December 2020}} A day after the incident, the RAAF grounded the fleet of 24 Super Hornets and 11 Growlers while the incident was investigated.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-09/defence-grounds-super-hornet-war-planes-after-aborted-takeoff/12964384 |title=Defence grounds Super Hornet, Growler warplanes after aborted take-off at Amberley RAAF base |work=abc.net.au |date=9 December 2020 |access-date=11 December 2020}} The cause was determined to be pilot error. The Super Hornet was repaired, and returned to service in mid-2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-08/pilot-error-caused-raaf-super-hornet-eject/101131502 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611160922/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-08/pilot-error-caused-raaf-super-hornet-eject/101131502 |title=Investigators find pilot error responsible for aborted Super Hornet takeoff outside Brisbane |last=Greene |first=Andy |archive-date=11 June 2022 |work=ABC News (Australia) |date=7 June 2022}}

In May 2015, the Kuwait Air Force was reportedly planning to order 28 F/A-18E/Fs with options for an additional 12.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-kuwait-to-order-boeing-f/a-18-fighters-worth-3-bn-2015-5 |title=Kuwait to order Boeing F/A-18 fighters worth $3 bn |publisher=AFP via Business Insider |date=7 May 2015 |access-date=21 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621123930/http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-kuwait-to-order-boeing-f/a-18-fighters-worth-3-bn-2015-5 |archive-date=21 June 2015 |url-status=live}} However, in June 2015, it was reported that Kuwait was considering a split purchase between the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F/A-18E/F.[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/air-force/2015/06/04/kuwait-eurofighter-italy-talks-alenia-aermacchi-rafale-egypt-qatar/28494435/ Kuwait, Italy Discuss Eurofighter Buy]. Defense News, On 11 September 2015, Kuwait signed an agreement for 28 Eurofighters.{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/kuwait-opts-eurofighter-typhoon |title=Kuwait Opts For Eurofighter Typhoon |agency=Aviation Week |date=11 September 2015 |access-date=13 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928081554/http://aviationweek.com/defense/kuwait-opts-eurofighter-typhoon |archive-date=28 September 2015 |url-status=live}} In November 2016, a proposed Kuwaiti sale of 32 F/A-18E and 8 F/A-18F fighters, armaments, and associated equipment was approved by the U.S. State Department.[http://www.defensenews.com/articles/kuwait-qatar-fighter-jet-deals-move-forward-likely-putting-boeing-fighter-jet-production-into-the-2020s "Kuwait, Qatar Deals Move Forward, Likely Putting Boeing Fighter Jet Production Into the 2020s"]. Defense News, 17 November 2016.{{cite web |url=https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-kuwait-fa-18ef-super-hornet-aircraft-support |title=The Government of Kuwait – F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft with Support | the Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency |access-date=22 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114220746/http://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-kuwait-fa-18ef-super-hornet-aircraft-support |archive-date=14 November 2017 |url-status=live}}

In June 2018, the Kuwaiti Government ordered 22 F/A-18Es and 6 F/A-18Fs via a US$1.5 billion contract. The aircraft were scheduled to be delivered by January 2021,{{cite news |last1=Werner |first1=Ben |title=Boeing Awarded $1.5B Contract for 28 Kuwait Super Hornets |url=https://news.usni.org/2018/06/28/kuwait-finalizes-contract-for-28-super-hornets |access-date=27 June 2019 |work=USNI News |date=28 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627234232/https://news.usni.org/2018/06/28/kuwait-finalizes-contract-for-28-super-hornets |archive-date=27 June 2019 |url-status=live}} but were rescheduled to be delivered later due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Gareth |first1=Jennings |title=Covid-19 impacts Super Hornet timeline for Kuwait |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/covid-19-impacts-super-hornet-timeline-for-kuwait |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116012823/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/covid-19-impacts-super-hornet-timeline-for-kuwait |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 January 2021 |work=Janes |date=15 January 2021 }}{{update inline|date=December 2024}}

Boeing has pitched the F/A-18E/F to numerous countries, particularly those that operate the legacy Hornet as it was supposed to be a "logical progression from the Hornet to the [Super Hornet], with its logistics, weaponry and training commonalities". So far only the US Navy, Australia, and Kuwait have ordered and received the Super Hornet.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/feature/5/216276/%3Ci%3E%28updated%29%3C%C2%A7i%3E-reports-of-super-hornet%E2%80%99s-demise-may-not-be-greatly-exaggerated-%3Ci%3E%28free-access%29%3C%C2%A7i%3E.html |title=Demise of Super Hornet May Not Be Greatly Exaggerated After All |publisher=Defense-aerospace.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-03}}

Boeing offered Malaysia Super Hornets as part of a buy-back package for its existing Hornets in 2002. However, the procurement was halted in 2007 after the government decided to purchase the Sukhoi Su-30MKM instead; Chief Gen. Datuk Nik Ismail Nik Mohamaed of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) indicated that the air force had not planned to end the Super Hornet buy, stating that such fighters were needed.[http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2004&dt=0416&pub=utusan_express&sec=special%5Freport&pg=sr_02.htm&arc=hive "Super Hornets, Awacs may feature in RMAF modernisation plans"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206165950/http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2004&dt=0416&pub=utusan_express&sec=special%5Freport&pg=sr_02.htm&arc=hive |date=6 December 2008}}. Utusan Malaysia, 16 April 2007. Retrieved: 5 September 2008. Separately, the Super Hornet is a contender for the MRCA program, under which the RMAF seek to equip three squadrons with 36 to 40 new fighters with an estimated budget of RM6 billion to RM8 billion (US$1.84 billion to US$2.46 billion). Other competitors are the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Saab JAS 39 Gripen.{{cite web|url=http://themalaysianreserve.com/main/news/corporate-malaysia/5597-three-fighter-jet-makers-to-submit-leasing-bids |title=Three fighter jet makers to submit leasing bids |author=John Gilbert |work=themalaysianreserve.com |access-date=1 April 2015 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084528/http://themalaysianreserve.com/main/news/corporate-malaysia/5597-three-fighter-jet-makers-to-submit-leasing-bids |archive-date=19 August 2014}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Belgium}}

On 12 March 2014, Belgian newspaper De Morgen reported that Boeing was in talks with the Belgian Ministry of Defence about the Super Hornet as a candidate to replace Belgium's aging F-16 fleet.[https://archive.today/20140313095030/http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/989/Binnenland/article/detail/1810530/2014/03/12/Wordt-dit-de-vervanger-van-de-Belgische-F-16-s.dhtml "Wordt dit de vervanger van de Belgische F-16's?"] De Morgen, 12 March 2014. Retrieved: 13 March 2014. In April 2017, Boeing announced it would not compete in the competition, citing it "does not see an opportunity to compete on a truly level playing field".{{cite web|last1=Maass|first1=Ryan|title=Boeing pulls out of 'unfair' Belgian fighter replacement bid|url=https://www.upi.com/Boeing-pulls-out-of-unfair-Belgian-fighter-replacement-bid/5991492713645/|website=United Press International|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219164448/https://www.upi.com/Boeing-pulls-out-of-unfair-Belgian-fighter-replacement-bid/5991492713645/|archive-date=19 December 2017|date=20 April 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Giangreco|first1=Leigh|title=Boeing pulls out of Belgian fighter competition|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-pulls-out-of-belgian-fighter-competition-436354/|website=Flight Global|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219164401/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-pulls-out-of-belgian-fighter-competition-436354/|archive-date=19 December 2017|location=Washington, DC|date=19 April 2017|url-status=dead}} On 25 October 2018, Belgium officially selected the offer for 34 F-35As to replace its fleet of around 54 F-16s.{{cite web|last1=Emmott|first1=Robin|title=Belgium picks Lockheed's F-35 over Eurofighter on price|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aerospace-belgium/belgium-picks-lockheeds-f-35-over-eurofighter-on-price-idUSKCN1MZ1S0|website=Reuters|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025145835/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aerospace-belgium/belgium-picks-lockheeds-f-35-over-eurofighter-on-price-idUSKCN1MZ1S0|archive-date=25 October 2018|location=Brussels|date=25 October 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Insinna|first1=Valerie|title=F-35 officially wins Belgian fighter contest|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/10/25/f-35-officially-wins-belgian-fighter-contest/|website=Defense News|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181025153323/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/10/25/f-35-officially-wins-belgian-fighter-contest/|archive-date=25 October 2018|location=Washington|date=25 October 2018|url-status=live}}

{{main|Saab JAS 39 Gripen#Brazil}}

Boeing proposed the Super Hornet to the Brazilian government in response to an initial requirement for 36 aircraft, with a potential total purchase of 120. In October 2008, the Super Hornet was reportedly selected as one of three finalists in Brazil's fighter competition.Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/06/316814/brazil-names-three-finalists-for-f-x2-contract-rejects-three.html "Brazil names three finalists for F-X2 contract, rejects three others"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201150500/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/06/316814/brazil-names-three-finalists-for-f-x2-contract-rejects-three.html |date=1 February 2009}}. Flight International, 6 October 2008. However, news of National Security Agency spying on Brazilian leaders caused animosity between Brazil and the US.{{cite web |first= Patricia Rey |last= Mallén |url= http://www.ibtimes.com/brazil-says-no-4b-fighter-jet-deal-frances-dassault-not-victory-yet-boeing-saab-1510708 |title= Brazil Says No To $4B Fighter Jet Deal With France's Dassault; Not A Victory Yet For Boeing, Saab |website= International Business Times |date= 16 December 2013 |access-date= 28 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150210060101/http://www.ibtimes.com/brazil-says-no-4b-fighter-jet-deal-frances-dassault-not-victory-yet-boeing-saab-1510708 |archive-date= 10 February 2015 |url-status= live}} Brazil eventually dropped the Super Hornet from its final list and selected the Saab JAS 39 Gripen in December 2013.{{cite news|last=Osborne|first=Anthony|title=Brazil Selects Gripen For F-X2 Requirement|work=Aviation Week|date=18 December 2013|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_12_18_2013_p0-648720.xml|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219171019/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_12_18_2013_p0-648720.xml|archive-date=19 December 2013|url-status=live}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Canadian procurement}}

The Super Hornet was a contender to replace the CF-18 Hornet, a version of the F/A-18A and B models, operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Like the older Hornet, the Super Hornet's design is well-suited to Northern Canada's rugged forward operational airfields, while its extended range removes its predecessor's main deficiency while commonalities enable a straightforward transition.{{cite web|url=http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-right-fighter-for-canada-is-the-super-hornet-not-t-1587492909|title=The Right Fighter For Canada Is The Super Hornet, Not The F-35|first=Tyler|last=Rogoway|work=jalopnik.com|date=12 June 2014 |access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114144826/http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-right-fighter-for-canada-is-the-super-hornet-not-t-1587492909|archive-date=14 November 2016|url-status=live}} In 2010, Canada decided on sole source selection of the F-35A. Boeing claimed that Canada had ignored the Super Hornet's radar cross-section characteristics during evaluation.{{cite news |url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/aviation-companies-decry-f-35-purchase-1.909270 |title= Aviation companies decry F-35 purchase |website= CBC News |date= 5 November 2010 |url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101106112300/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/05/-new-fighter-purchase-complaints.html |archive-date= 6 November 2010}} By April 2012, Canada was reportedly reviewing its F-35 procurement.Campion-Smith, Bruce. [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1155603--ottawa-to-overhaul-purchase-of-f-35-fighter-jets-in-wake-of-auditor-general-s-report?bn=1 "Ottawa to overhaul purchase of F-35 fighter jets in wake of Auditor General’s report"]. Toronto Star, 2 April 2012. In September 2013, Boeing provided Canada with data on its Advanced Super Hornet, suggesting that 65 aircraft would cost $1.7 billion less than an F-35 fleet. The US Navy buys Super Hornets for $52 million per aircraft, while the advanced model costs $6–$10 million more per aircraft, dependent on options selected.[http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2013/09/05/competition-heats-up-as-ottawa-reviews-options-to-costly-fighter-jets/35816 "Competition heats up as Ottawa reviews options to procure costly F-35 fighter jets"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909013853/http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2013/09/05/competition-heats-up-as-ottawa-reviews-options-to-costly-fighter-jets/35816 |date=9 September 2013}}. Hilltimes.com, 5 September 2013

The Liberal government elected in 2015 indicated that it would launch a competition to replace the CF-18 fleet. During the election, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau stated that his government would not buy the F-35.Berthiaume, Lee; Ivison, John. [http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/liberals-planning-to-buy-super-hornet-fighter-jets-before-making-final-decision-on-f-35s-sources-say "Liberals planning to buy Super Hornet fighter jets before making final decision on F-35s, sources say"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20160605234312/http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/liberals-planning-to-buy-super-hornet-fighter-jets-before-making-final-decision-on-f-35s-sources-say |date=5 June 2016}}. National Post, 5 June 2016. On 22 November 2016, the government announced its intention to acquire 18 Super Hornets on an interim basis.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fighter-jet-purchase-announcement-1.3862210|title=Liberals to buy 18 Boeing Super Hornet fighter jets to fill 'capability gap'|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123051846/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fighter-jet-purchase-announcement-1.3862210|archive-date=23 November 2016|url-status=live}} In September 2017, the U.S. State Department granted Canada permission to buy 10 F/A-18Es and 8 F/A-18Fs (or EA-18Gs) along with supporting equipment, spares, and armaments; the agreed cost totaled CA$1.5 billion, or about CA$83.3 million per aircraft, adding the supporting equipment, training, spares, and weapons increased the acquisition cost to CA$6.3 billion.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/super-hornet-congress-1.4286383|title=U.S. State Dept. approves Canadian purchase of Super Hornet fighter jets - CBC News|access-date=27 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921005615/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/super-hornet-congress-1.4286383|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=live}} However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that the pending Super Hornet sale, along with a possible sale of another 70, was adversely affected by Boeing's actions against Bombardier Aerospace, such as a complaint to the US government over the sale of CSeries airliners to Delta Air Lines at unduly low prices; in September 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce proposed a 219% tariff on CSeries imported into the US.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-41397181 |title=Fallon warns Boeing over defence contracts |work=BBC News |date=27 September 2017 |via= bbc.com |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811164021/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-41397181 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2017/09/26/commerce-department-gives-bombardier-219-duty-on-the-sale-of-jets-to-us-airline.html?source=newsletter |title=Bombardier hit with 219% duty on sale of jets to Delta Air Lines |newspaper=The Toronto Star |date=26 September 2017 |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005629/https://www.thestar.com/business/2017/09/26/commerce-department-gives-bombardier-219-duty-on-the-sale-of-jets-to-us-airline.html?source=newsletter |archive-date=28 September 2017 |url-status=live}} In January 2018, the USITC commissioners unanimously ruled against Boeing that the U.S. industry is not threatened and no duties will be imposed.{{cite press release |url= https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2018/er0126ll898.htm |title= 100- to 150-Seat Large Civil Aircraft from Canada Do Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC |date= January 26, 2018 |publisher= United States International Trade Commission}}

In late 2017, the Canadian Government agreed with Australia to purchase 18 used F/A-18 Hornets as an interim measure.{{cite web|url=http://business.financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/boeing-wont-end-dispute-with-bombardier-despite-liberal-plan-to-buy-used-jets|title=Boeing says dispute with Bombardier still on despite Liberal plan to buy used jets|date=8 December 2017|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210053619/http://business.financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/boeing-wont-end-dispute-with-bombardier-despite-liberal-plan-to-buy-used-jets|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}} Boeing confirmed its bid for the Advanced Fighter Program, likely offering a mix of 88 F/A-18E/F Advanced Super Hornets (Block III) and Boeing EA-18G Growlers.{{cite web|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-12-08-Boeing-statement-on-the-Canadian-Interim-Fighter-Capability-Project-and-free-and-fair-competition|title=News Releases/Statements|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209070809/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-12-08-Boeing-statement-on-the-Canadian-Interim-Fighter-Capability-Project-and-free-and-fair-competition|archive-date=9 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/superhornet-sale-dead-1.4439612|title=Boeing acknowledges Super Hornet sale to Canada effectively dead |access-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210031846/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/superhornet-sale-dead-1.4439612|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}} On 25 November 2021, Reuters reported that Boeing is out of the competition since its fighter proposal does not meet requirements{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/canada-rules-boeing-out-c19-bln-fighter-jet-contract-canadian-press-2021-11-25/ |title=Canada tells Boeing its bid for C$19 bln fighter jet contract falls short |website=Reuters |date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211126010645/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/canada-rules-boeing-out-c19-bln-fighter-jet-contract-canadian-press-2021-11-25/ |archive-date=26 November 2021 |url-status=live|last1=Ljunggren |first1=David }} with the F-35 and Saab JAS 39 Gripen remaining in competition.{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-announces-key-milestone-in-process-to-replace-canadas-fighter-jets.html |title=Government of Canada announces key milestone in process to replace Canada's fighter jets |date=December 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211205124011/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-announces-key-milestone-in-process-to-replace-canadas-fighter-jets.html |archive-date=2021-12-05 |url-status=live}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Denmark}}

In 2008, the Royal Danish Air Force was offered the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as one of three fighters in a Danish competition to replace 48 F-16AM/BMs.Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/FA18082808.xml&headline=Boeing%20Submits%20Danish%20Super%20Hornet%20Proposal "Boeing Submits Danish Super Hornet Proposal"]. Aviation Week, 28 August 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307150056/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FFA18082808.xml&headline=Boeing%20Submits%20Danish%20Super%20Hornet%20Proposal |date=7 March 2012}}Brett, Mary Ann and Philip Carder. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=315 "Boeing, US Navy Offer Super Hornet for Denmark Fighter Competition"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070147/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=315 |date=22 February 2014}} Boeing, 27 August 2008. The other contenders were the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Denmark is a level-3 partner in the JSF program. The final selection was originally planned for mid-2015 where 24 to 30 fighters were expected.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130901/DEFREG03/309010008/Denmark-Prioritizes-Jobs-New-Fighter-Competition |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140118023046/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130901/DEFREG03/309010008/Denmark-Prioritizes-Jobs-New-Fighter-Competition |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 January 2014 |title=Denmark Prioritizes Jobs in New Fighter Competition |work=Defense News |access-date=1 April 2015}} In April 2014, the Danish Ministry of Defence handed over a Request for Binding Information (RBI) that specifically listed the F/A-18F two-seat variant.defense-aerospace.com [http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/153219/denmark-launches-fighter-competition.html Denmark Starts Fighter Evaluation Process to Replace F-16] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419031532/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/153219/denmark-launches-fighter-competition.html |date=19 April 2014}} 12 April 2014 In December 2015, the decision was postponed to 2016, with the final order's details pending negotiations.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/2015/12/05/denmark-further-postpones-fighter-selection-until-2016/76729290/ |title=Denmark Further Postpones Fighter Selection Until 2016 |work=Defense News |date=5 December 2015 |access-date=18 April 2016}} In May 2016, the Danish government recommended to parliament that 27 F-35As should be procured instead of 38 Super Hornets.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2016/05/11/danish-government-likely-recommend-buying-f-35s/84249050/ |title=Danish Government Recommends Buying 27 F-35s |date=12 May 2016 |website=defensenews.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160527152024/http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2016/05/11/danish-government-likely-recommend-buying-f-35s/84249050/ |archive-date=27 May 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://nytkampfly.dk/archives/8530 |title=Status on Danish fighter competition: Government recommends 27 F-35A – no decision yet |date=16 May 2016 |access-date=23 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521081142/http://nytkampfly.dk/archives/8530 |archive-date=21 May 2016 |url-status=live}}

In September 2016, Boeing indicated that they would take legal action against the Danish F-35A buy, indicating that flawed data was used.{{cite web |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/a-cautionary-tale-for-canada-boeing-preps-legal-challenge-after-denmark-rejects-super-hornet-for-f-35 |title=A cautionary tale for Canada? Boeing preps legal challenge after Denmark rejects Super Hornet for F-35 |work=nationalpost.com |access-date=17 September 2016}} In March 2018, Boeing lost the case with the court stating "The court has found that the authorities' decisions on refusal of access to the documents are legal and valid."{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Teis |last2=Jacobsen |first2=Stine |last3=Merriman |first3=Jane |title=Boeing loses case against Denmark over fighter jet deal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-denmark/boeing-loses-case-against-denmark-over-fighter-jet-deal-idUSKBN1GZ295 |website=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602231808/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-denmark/boeing-loses-case-against-denmark-over-fighter-jet-deal-idUSKBN1GZ295 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |location=Copenhagen |date=23 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Finland}}

In June 2015, a working group set up by the Finnish MoD proposed starting the HX Fighter Program to replace the Finnish Air Force's current fleet of F/A-18C/D Hornets, which will reach the end of their service life by the end of the 2020s. The group recognised five potential types: Boeing F/A-18E/F Advanced Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Saab JAS 39 Gripen.{{cite web|url=http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/working_group_proposes_multi-role_fighters_to_replace_f_a-18_aircraft.6273.news|title=Working group proposes multi-role fighters to replace F/A-18 aircraft|date=11 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618214823/http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/working_group_proposes_multi-role_fighters_to_replace_f_a-18_aircraft.6273.news|archive-date=18 June 2015|url-status=live}} In May 2016, the DOD announced that Boeing (with the Super Hornet) and Lockheed Martin (with the F-35) would respond to the information request.{{cite web |url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/yhdysvallat_tarjoaa_kahta_konetyyppia_hornetin_seuraajaksi/8853752 |title=Yhdysvallat tarjoaa kahta konetyyppiä Hornetin seuraajaksi |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=3 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503115343/http://yle.fi/uutiset/yhdysvallat_tarjoaa_kahta_konetyyppia_hornetin_seuraajaksi/8853752 |archive-date=3 May 2016 |url-status=live}} This request was sent in early 2016 with five responses received in November 2016. A call for tender will be sent in spring 2018 and the buying decision is scheduled to take place in 2021.{{cite web |publisher= Ministry of Defence |place= FI |type= press release |url= http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/2016/the_finnish_defence_forces_logistics_command_received_responses_concerning_the_replacement_of_the_hornet_aircraft.8083.news |title= The Finnish Defence Forces' Logistics Command received responses concerning the replacement of the Hornet aircraft |date= 22 November 2016 |access-date= 15 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170313220311/http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/2016/the_finnish_defence_forces_logistics_command_received_responses_concerning_the_replacement_of_the_hornet_aircraft.8083.news |archive-date= 13 March 2017 |url-status= live}}

In February 2020, three Super Hornets (a single-seat F/A-18E, a twin-seat F/A-18F and an EA-18G) arrived at the Tampere-Pirkkala Airbase in Finland for final flight evaluations.{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2020/02/18/US-Boeing-send-3-Super-Hornets-to-Finland-for-aircraft-upgrade/5621582061220/ |title=U.S., Boeing send 3 Super Hornets to Finland for aircraft upgrade|website=UPI|language=en|access-date=2020-04-22}} The evaluations concluded on 28 February 2020.{{cite web |url=https://ilmavoimat.fi/article/-/asset_publisher/hx-challenge-on-saatu-onnistuneesti-paatokseen |title=HX Challenge completed successfully |work= The Finnish Air Force (ilmavoimat.fi) |date=28 February 2020 |language=en-US |access-date=2020-04-22}} The Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported that several foreign and security policy sources had confirmed the Finnish Defense Forces recommendation of the F-35, citing its capability and expected long lifespan as key reasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/politiikka/a/8dfecfdf-e834-4f67-931d-ad255e54d3f4|title = IL:n tiedot: Puolustusvoimat esittää yhdysvaltalaista F-35:ttä Suomen uudeksi hävittäjäksi}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43392/finland-chooses-f-35-as-its-next-fighter-report|title=Finland Chooses F-35 as Its Next Fighter: Report|date=6 December 2021 }}{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/12/06/f-35-finland/|title = F-35 Selected by the Finnish Defense Forces to Replace F/A-18 Hornets According to Local Media|date = 6 December 2021}} Finland ordered the F-35 in February 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/finland-signs-for-f-35s |title=Finland signs for F-35s |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |work=Janes |date=11 February 2022 |access-date=21 April 2022}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Germany}}

Germany requires a replacement for its aging Panavia Tornado fleet, including both Tornado IDS (interdictor/strike) and ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) variants. Germany considered ordering the Lockheed Martin F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. In April 2020, Germany's defense secretary announced a replacement plan for a split purchase of 30 Super Hornets, 15 EA-18Gs and 55 Typhoons.Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/germany-picks-super-hornet-and-more-eurofighters-for-tornado-replacement/138003.article "Germany picks Super Hornet and more Eurofighters for Tornado replacement"]. Flight Global, 21 April 2020. However, the Defense Ministry states this is not finalized and it is being debated.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/germany-won-t-be-buying-us-planes-to-replace-aging-tornados-before-2022-official-says-1.627124|title=Germany won't be buying US planes to replace aging Tornados before 2022, official says|website=Stars and Stripes}} As of March 2020, the Super Hornet was not certified for the B61 nuclear bombs, but Dan Gillian, Super Hornet program head, previously stated that "We certainly think that we, working with the U.S. government, can meet the German requirements..."{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Here's Where Boeing Aims To Take The Super Hornet In The Decades To Come |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/27272/heres-where-boeing-aims-to-take-the-super-hornet-in-the-decades-to-come |date=3 April 2019 |website=The War Zone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190710054444/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/27272/heres-where-boeing-aims-to-take-the-super-hornet-in-the-decades-to-come |archive-date=10 July 2019}}

With increased tensions in Europe, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine beginning 24 February 2022, Germany scrambled to accelerate defense spending priorities. Newly elected Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged a €100 billion military upgrade, which included selecting the F-35 instead of the Super Hornet for the nuclear role and Eurofighter ECR/SEAD instead of the Growler.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-decides-principle-buy-f-35-fighter-jet-government-source-2022-03-14/ |title=Germany to buy 35 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets from U.S. amid Ukraine crisis |work=Reuters |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=21 April 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/germany-to-buy-f-35s-upgrade-eurofighters-in-blow-to-boeing/article_6afce1c1-09bc-560b-87b4-edd457669c80.html |title=Germany to buy F-35s, upgrade Eurofighters in blow to Boeing |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |last=Huguelet |first=Austin |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=21 April 2022}}

{{main|Indian MRCA competition}}

For India's MMRCA competition, Boeing offered a customized variant called F/A-18IN, which included Raytheon's APG-79 AESA radar.{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Brian |last2=Sharma |first2=Kapil |date=24 April 2008 |title=Boeing Delivers Proposal to Equip Indian Air Force with Super Hornet Fighters |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080424b_nr.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080428185703/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080424b_nr.html |archive-date=28 April 2008 |access-date=29 April 2008 |website=Boeing}} In August 2008, Boeing submitted an industrial participation proposal detailing partnerships with companies in India.{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Brian |last2=Rangachari |first2=Swati |date=4 August 2008 |title=Boeing Submits Combat Aircraft Industrial-Participation Proposal to Indian Government |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/news/2008/q3/080804a_nr.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908040747/http://boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18ef/news/2008/q3/080804a_nr.html |archive-date=8 September 2008 |website=Boeing}} The Indian Air Force (IAF) extensively evaluated the Super Hornet, including field trials in August 2009.[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/F-18-comes-in-first-trials-begin/articleshow/4904071.cms "F-18 comes in first, trials begin"] . Times of India, 18 August 2009. Retrieved: 16 August 2010. However, in April 2011, the IAF eliminated the F/A-18IN from the competition which was eventually won by the Dassault Rafale.Bajaj, Vikas. [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/business/global/29india.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss "U.S. Loses Bids to Supply Jets to India"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228084445/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/business/global/29india.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss|date=28 December 2016}}. The New York Times, 28 April 2011. Retrieved: 11 May 2011.

File:F 18 Super Hornet at Aero India 2011 (8th edition of Aero India).jpg

In October 2016, India reportedly received three unsolicited bids, including one from Boeing for the Super Hornet, to replace its MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft.{{cite news |last=Bedi |first=Rahul |date=14 October 2016 |title=India renews search for MiG replacement |publisher=IHS Janes |url=http://www.janes.com/article/64602/india-renews-search-for-mig-replacement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016081831/http://www.janes.com/article/64602/india-renews-search-for-mig-replacement |archive-date=16 October 2016}} The aircraft is now competing with six others in a fresh tender, referred as MMRCA 2.0, for the procurement of 114 multi-role combat aircraft for the IAF.{{cite web |title=MMRCA 2.0 Contenders |url=http://sps-aviation.com/story/?id=2370&h=MMRCA-20-Contenders |website=sps-aviation.com}}

{{Excerpt|Dassault Rafale|Indian Navy|paragraphs=2-9}}

The Rafale was chosen over the Super Hornet due to their commonality with the Rafale aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, as well as availability to integrate Indian origin systems into the aircraft. The aircraft would complement the existing fleet of Navy Mikoyan MiG-29K aircraft, to be later joined by the Indian built Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter. The aircraft would be operated on the Indian aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

The deal was officially signed with France on 28 April 2025.{{Cite news |date=2025-04-28 |title=India, France sign Rs 63,000 crore mega deal to buy 26 Rafale Marine aircraft |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-france-sign-rs-63000-mega-deal-to-buy-26-rafale-marine-aircraft/articleshow/120691233.cms |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2025-04-28 |title=India Orders 26 Rafale Marine carrier-based aircraft for $7.5 billion |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/04/india-orders-26-rafale-marine-carrier-based-aircraft-for-7-5-billion/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Poland}}

During the 2010s, Poland sought to purchase 64 multirole combat aircraft from 2021 to replace the Polish Air Force's fleet of Sukhoi Su-22M4 ground attack aircraft and Mikoyan MiG-29 fighters. In November 2017, the Armament Inspectorate launched the acquisition process.{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/27/poland-launches-harpia-programme-to-procure-a-new-multirole-combat-aircraft |title=Poland launches program Harpia to procure new multirole combat aircraft |author=jacek |access-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127180538/https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/27/poland-launches-harpia-programme-to-procure-a-new-multirole-combat-aircraft/ |archive-date=27 November 2017 |url-status=live}} On 22 December 2017, five entities expressed interest in participating in the market analysis phase of the procurement, referred to as "Harpia" (harpy eagle); they included Saab (Gripen NG), Lockheed Martin (F-35), Boeing (F/A-18), Leonardo (Eurofighter Typhoon) and Fights-On Logistics (second-hand F-16).{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/?p=48517 |title=Five companies interested in Polands next generation fighter program Harpia |author=jacek |date=22 December 2017 |access-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223220530/https://theaviationist.com/?p=48517 |archive-date=23 December 2017 |url-status=live}} On 28 May 2019, the Polish Defense Ministry formally requested to buy 32 F-35As.{{cite web |last= Siminski |date= 5 June 2019|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/05/29/poland-sends-formal-request-to-buy-f-35s/|title= Poland sends request to buy F-35 |first= Jacek |work= Defence News}}

{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Switzerland}}

Boeing first offered the Super Hornet to the Swiss Air Force as a replacement for Swiss F-5E Tigers before withdrawing from the competition on 30 April 2008.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-withdraws-super-hornet-from-swiss-contract-race-223401/ "Boeing withdraws Super Hornet from Swiss contract race"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220340/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-withdraws-super-hornet-from-swiss-contract-race-223401/ |date=1 February 2014}}. Flightglobal.com, 30 April 2008. Retrieved: 16 August 2013. The Swiss Air Force was at one point intending to buy the rival Saab Gripen, but this was blocked by Swiss voters in 2014.{{cite web|last1=Copley|first1=Caroline|last2=Williams|first2=Alison|title=Swiss voters narrowly block deal to buy Saab fighter jets: projection|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-vote-gripen/swiss-voters-narrowly-block-deal-to-buy-saab-fighter-jets-projection-idUSBREA4H05920140518|website=Reuters|access-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180120200049/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-vote-gripen/swiss-voters-narrowly-block-deal-to-buy-saab-fighter-jets-projection-idUSBREA4H05920140518|archive-date=20 January 2018|location=Zurich|date=18 May 2014}} In March 2018, Swiss officials named contenders in its Air 2030 program: The Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35. The program has a budget of {{US$|8 billion}} but includes not only combat aircraft but also ground-based air defense systems.{{cite web|last1=Sprenger|first1=Sebastian|title=Switzerland names contenders in $8 billion 'Air 2030' program|url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/03/27/switzerland-names-contenders-in-8-billion-air-2030-program/|website=DefenseNews|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180328061739/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/03/27/switzerland-names-contenders-in-8-billion-air-2030-program/|archive-date=28 March 2018|location=Cologne, Germany|date=27 March 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=No more than CHF8 billion for new fighter jets|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/defence-strategy_no-more-than-chf8-billion-for-new-fighter-jets/43660584|website=Swiss Info|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109083224/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/defence-strategy_no-more-than-chf8-billion-for-new-fighter-jets/43660584|archive-date=9 November 2017|date=8 November 2017|url-status=live}} In October 2018, it was reported by Jane's that the Swiss Air Force may be limited to purchasing a single-engine fighter due to cost.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Rueben F |title=Update: Switzerland's Air 2030 plan narrows down options |url=https://www.janes.com/article/84023/update-switzerland-s-air-2030-plan-narrows-down-options |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=26 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026154556/https://www.janes.com/article/84023/update-switzerland-s-air-2030-plan-narrows-down-options |archive-date=26 October 2018 |location=Kiev |date=24 October 2018 |url-status=live}} The F/A-18E/F performed demonstrations for Swiss personnel at Payerne Air Base in April 2019, which was contrasted to flights performed by other bidders.{{cite web |last1=Sprenger |first1=Sebastian |title=The F-35 and other warplanes descend on Switzerland this spring |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/04/11/the-f-35-and-other-warplanes-descend-on-switzerland-this-spring/ |website=Defense News |access-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190411234148/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/04/11/the-f-35-and-other-warplanes-descend-on-switzerland-this-spring/ |archive-date=11 April 2019 |location=Cologne, Germany |date=11 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

On 30 June 2021, the Swiss Federal Council proposed buying 36 F-35As to Parliament{{Cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen/bundesrat.msg-id-84275.html|title=Air2030: Bundesrat beschliesst Beschaffung von 36 Kampfflugzeugen des Typs F-35A|website=www.admin.ch }} at a cost of up to 6 billion Swiss francs (US$6.5 billion), citing the aircraft's cost and combat effectiveness.{{cite news |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Lockheed's F-35 topples competition in Swiss fighter contest |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/06/30/lockheeds-f-35-topples-competition-in-swiss-fighter-contest/ |work=defensenews.com}} The anti-military group GSoA intended to contest the purchase in another national referendum supported by the Green Party of Switzerland and the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (which previously acted to block the Gripen).{{Cite web|url=https://www.24heures.ch/suisse/change-echec-gripen-aujourdhui/story/22057626|title=Ce qui a changé entre l'échec du Gripen et aujourd'hui|date=8 January 2020 |via=24 heures}}{{Cite web|last=|title=Swiss government sets sights on F-35A fighter jet fleet|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-government-sets-sights-on-f-35a-fighter-jet-fleet/46748510|access-date=2021-06-30|website=Swissinfo|date=30 June 2021 |language=en}} In August 2022, they registered the initiative, with 120,000 people having signed in less than a year (with 100,000 required).{{Cite web|url=https://www.rts.ch/info/suisse/13310924-les-opposants-a-lachat-des-avions-de-combat-f35-ont-depose-leur-initiative.html|title=Les opposants à l'achat des avions de combat F-35 ont déposé leur initiative|date=16 August 2022|website=rts.ch}} On 26 November 2021, it was announced that Armasuisse had agreed terms with the US government for 36 F-35As for CHF 6.035 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.poandpo.com/news_business/air2030-contracts-in-place-in-switzerland-for-f35a-and-patriot/|title=Air2030: Contracts in place in Switzerland for F-35A and Patriot|first=Christian|last=Fernsby|date=November 26, 2021|website=Post Online Media|language=en}} The order was then subject to parliamentary approval and the popular initiative not proceeding or failing. A parliamentary inquiry found the purchase worrisome but legal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/viola-amherd-continue-porter-croix-f35|title=Viola Amherd continue de porter la croix des F-35|newspaper=Le Temps|date=16 February 2022|via=www.letemps.ch|language=fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/fighter-jet-purchase--worrying--but-legal--says-swiss-audit-body/47889476|title=Fighter jet purchase "worrying" but legal, says Swiss audit body|website=SWI swissinfo.ch|date=9 September 2022 }} The government did not wait for the popular initiative to proceed, which was legally permitted.{{Cite web|url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/kampfjet-kauf-staatsrechtler-bundesrat-muss-f-35-initiative-nicht-abwarten|title=Kampfjet-Kauf - Staatsrechtler: Bundesrat muss F-35-Initiative nicht abwarten|date=23 March 2022}} On 15 September 2022, the Swiss National council gave the Federal council permission to sign the purchase deal.{{cite web |title=Der Nationalrat gibt grünes Licht für die Beschaffung des F-35 |date=15 September 2022 |url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/kampfjet-soll-abheben-der-nationalrat-gibt-gruenes-licht-fuer-die-beschaffung-des-f-35 |access-date=16 September 2022}} The deal to buy 36 F-35A was signed on 19 September 2022, with deliveries to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2030.{{cite web |title=Air2030: Beschaffungsvertrag für die Kampfflugzeuge F-35A unterzeichnet |url=https://www.vbs.admin.ch/content/vbs-internet/de/home.detail.nsb.html/90403.html |publisher=Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport |access-date=19 September 2022}}{{cite web |title=Schweiz unterzeichnet Kaufvertrag für F-35 |date=19 September 2022 |url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/vertrag-zur-beschaffung-der-f-35-jets-unterschrieben-793541527081 |publisher=Tagesanzeiger |access-date=19 September 2022}}

By 2018, Spain sought 68-72 fighters to replace its F/A-18A/B Hornets; tender participants included the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18 E/F Advanced Super Hornet, and Lockheed F-35 Lightning II.{{cite web |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/es/2018/11/02/noticia-eurofighter-principal-candidato-sustituir-espanoles.html |title=El Eurofighter, principal candidato para sustituir a los F-18 españoles |access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217071711/https://www.infodefensa.com/es/2018/11/02/noticia-eurofighter-principal-candidato-sustituir-espanoles.html |archive-date=17 February 2019 |url-status=live}} On 22 June 2022, Spain ordered 20 Tranche 4 Typhoons to replace the 20 ex-USN F/A-18s based at the Canary Islands.{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ila-2022-spain-signs-for-halcon-eurofighters|title=ILA 2022: Spain signs for Halcon Eurofighters|website=Janes.com|date=23 June 2022 }}

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) avoided the Super Hornet program over fears that any purchased F/A-18s would be at the cost of the F-35B STOVL fighters that they intend to operate from amphibious ships. Resistance is so high that they would rather fly former Navy F/A-18Cs.Cavas, Christopher P. [http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/06/marine_superhornet_070617/ "Navy: Super Hornet rep for problems untrue"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209020152/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/06/marine_superhornet_070617/ |date=9 February 2009}} marinecorpstimes.com, 17 June 2010. Retrieved: 16 August 2010. In 2011, the USMC agreed to eventually equip five Marine fighter-attack squadrons (VMFA) with the F-35C carrier variant to continue to augment Navy carrier air wings as they do with the F/A-18C.Butler, Amy. [http://aviationweek.com/awin/marines-commit-f-35c-buy "Marines Sign on for F-35C"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418234244/http://aviationweek.com/awin/marines-commit-f-35c-buy |date=18 April 2018}}. Aviation Week, 15 March 2011. Retrieved: 18 April 2018.

File:Transonic F A-18 F at Wings Over Camarillo 2023.jpg

On 10 March 2009, Boeing offered the Super Hornet for Greece's Next-Generation Fighter Program.{{cite web |last1= Guse |first1= Paul |first2= Phillip |last2= Carder |url= http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2009/q1/090310b_nr.html |title= Boeing to Offer Super Hornet for Greece's Next-Generation Fighter Program |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090312025420/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2009/q1/090310b_nr.html |archive-date= 12 March 2009 |website= Boeing |date= 10 March 2009}}

On 1 August 2010, The Sunday Times reported that the British government was considering canceling orders for the F-35B and buying the Super Hornet instead for its {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|1}}s, claiming a saving of around £10 billion as a result. An industry source claimed that the Super Hornet could be ski jump launched without catapults.Clark, Colin, [http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/08/31/uk-may-borrow-f-18s-for-carriers-f-35bs-may-be-scrapped/ "UK May Borrow F-18s For Carriers: F-35Bs May Be Scrapped"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905021418/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/08/31/uk-may-borrow-f-18s-for-carriers-f-35bs-may-be-scrapped/ |date=5 September 2010}}. dodbuzz.com, 31 August 2010. Retrieved: 1 September 2010. In the end, the UK opted for a STOVL aircraft carrier equipped with F-35Bs.

The United Arab Emirates was reported to have asked for information on the Super Hornet in 2010.Tran, Philip. [https://archive.today/20120723212412/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4775556&c=FEA&s=CVS "UAE May Ditch Rafale: Hornet a Surprise Competitor for $10B Deal"]. defensenews.com, 13 September 2010. Retrieved: 11 May 2011.

In early 2011, Bulgaria was considering the F/A-18 as a replacement for its MiG-21 fleet.[http://novinite.info/view_news.php?id=124921 "Bulgarian Defense Chief Gets Saab Offer on Gripen Fighter Jets"]. Novinite, 4 February 2011. After initially selecting the Saab Gripen, the newly elected governing coalition restarted the program and indicated that the Super Hornet is again under consideration. The decision is expected by July 2018.{{cite web |last1=Adamowski |first1=Jaroslaw |title=Super Hornet could be chosen as Bulgaria's next fighter jet by July |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/11/14/super-hornet-could-be-chosen-as-bulgarias-next-fighter-jet-by-july/ |website=Defense News |date=15 November 2017 |location=Warsaw |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171115203829/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/11/14/super-hornet-could-be-chosen-as-bulgarias-next-fighter-jet-by-july/ |archive-date=15 November 2017 |url-status=dead}} In December 2018, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence selected the offer for 8 F-16V from the United States for an estimated 1.8 billion lev ($1.05 billion) as the preferred option, and recommended the government to start talks with the US.{{cite web |last1=Tsolova |first1=Tsvetelia |last2=Krasimirov |first2=Angel |title=UPDATE 1-Bulgaria ready to choose F-16 fighter jets for its airforce |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-defence-jets/update-1-bulgaria-ready-to-choose-f-16-fighter-jets-for-its-airforce-idUSL8N1YQ4UM |website=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222194919/https://www.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-defence-jets/update-1-bulgaria-ready-to-choose-f-16-fighter-jets-for-its-airforce-idUSL8N1YQ4UM |archive-date=22 December 2018 |location=Sofia |date=21 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

In 2012, Norway received an offer for at least one squadron of F/A-18s, noting its suitability to Northern Norwegian conditions.{{cite web |last1=Grønlie |first1=Rune |title=Dette flyet vil ikke Norge ha |url=https://www.an.no/nyheter/dette-flyet-vil-ikke-norge-ha/s/1-33-5980413 |website=Avisa Nordland |access-date=21 January 2022 |date=21 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121115602/https://www.an.no/nyheter/dette-flyet-vil-ikke-norge-ha/s/1-33-5980413 |archive-date=21 January 2022 }}

In 2014, Boeing worked with Korean Airlines to offer the Advanced Super Hornet to the Republic of Korea Air Force as an alternative to their KF-X fighter program. Although a fighter based on the Super Hornet would save money, downgrading the program would not give South Korean industry as much knowledge as it would from developing a new fighter.[http://aviationweek.com/defense/boeing-still-interested-south-korea-s-kf-x Boeing Still Interested In South Korea’s KF-X] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207171809/http://aviationweek.com/defense/boeing-still-interested-south-korea-s-kf-x |date=7 February 2015}} - Aviationweek.com, 11 December 2014

;F/A-18E

:Single seat variant

;F/A-18F

:Two-seat variant

;NEA-18G

:Two F/A-18Fs modified as prototypes of the EA-18G Growler.{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/412015-L%28addendum%29.html#_Note_NEA18G|title=DOD 4120.15-L — Addendum|last=Parsch|first=Andreas|year=2006|publisher=Designation-Systems|access-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229075302/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/412015-L%28addendum%29.html#_Note_NEA18G|archive-date=29 December 2010|url-status=live}}

;EA-18G Growler

:Electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18F to replace the U.S. Navy's Grumman EA-6B Prowler.

;Advanced Super Hornet

:Variant of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT) and has a further reduced radar cross section (RCS), with the option of a stealthy enclosed weapons pod and built-in IRST21 sensor system. Not pursued by US Navy, but some elements such as the IRST sensor, although integrated into a fuel tank, became standalone upgrades while others like the enhanced cockpit were incorporated into the Block III. However, the Conformal Fuel Tanks and reduced RCS are still stated to be of interest to the RAAF.{{cite news |last=Kass |first=Harrison |date=4 December 2023 |title=Boeing's F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet Is a Special Fighter Plane |url=https://runway.airforce.gov.au/boeings-fa-18-block-iii-super-hornet-special-fighter-plane |work=The Runway Air Force |location= |access-date=13 October 2024}}

File:FA-18EF Super Hornet Operators.png

File:FA-18F-USN-RedRippers-20070406.jpg

File:FA-18F vapor over wings 1.jpg

File:F18F Super Hornet - RIAT 2010 (4831365273).jpg, 2010]]

File:US Navy 101209-N-9693M-009 Two F-A-18E Super Hornets prepare for a catapult assisted launch as an F-A-18E Super Hornet taxis toward the aft of USS.jpg

;{{flagicon|AUS}} Australia

• Royal Australian Air Force - 24 F/A-18Fs in service{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=Flight Global |doi=}}
• No. 1 Squadron (F/A-18F)
• No. 82 Wing Training Flight (F/A-18F)

;{{flagicon|Kuwait}} Kuwait

• Kuwait Air Force – 22 single-seat F/A-18Es and 6 twin-seat F/A-18Fs on order{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-awarded-contract-to-deliver-28-super-hornets-447237/ |title=Boeing awarded contract to deliver 28 Super Hornets to Kuwait |work=FlightGlobal |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402233217/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-awarded-contract-to-deliver-28-super-hornets-447237/ |archive-date=2 April 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Boeing completes Super Hornet deliveries for Kuwait|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/boeing-completes-super-hornet-deliveries-for-kuwait|access-date=2021-12-05|website=Janes.com|date=6 September 2021}}

;{{flagicon|USA}} United States

• United States Navy - 416 F/A-18E/Fs in service plus 93 on order as of 2025
• Pacific Fleet squadrons
• VFA-2 "Bounty Hunters" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-14 "Tophatters" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" (F/A-18F){{cite web |last=Buliavac |first=Joseph M. |url=http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=53453 |title=The aircrew of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, wait to launch from Catapult 3 during night flight operations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227123717/http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=53453 |archive-date=27 February 2015 |publisher=United States Navy |date=2 December 2007 |access-date=16 August 2010}}
• VFA-25 "Fist of the Fleet" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-27 "Royal Maces" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-41 "Black Aces" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-102 "Diamondbacks" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-113 "Stingers" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-122 "Flying Eagles" (Fleet Replacement Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F)[http://www.lemoore.navy.mil/vfa-122/ "CSFWP Link."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113155742/http://www.lemoore.navy.mil/vfa-122/ |date=13 January 2009}} lemoore.navy.mil. Retrieved: 16 August 2010.
• VFA-136 "Knighthawks" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-137 "Kestrels" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-146 "Blue Diamonds" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-151 "Vigilantes" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-154 "Black Knights" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-192 "Golden Dragons" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-195 "Dambusters" (F/A-18E)
• Atlantic Fleet squadrons
• VFA-11 "Red Rippers" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-31 "Tomcatters" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-32 "Swordsmen" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-34 "Blue Blasters" (F/A-18E){{cite web|url=http://wtkr.com/2018/04/10/vfa-34-blueblasters-returning-to-nas-oceana-after-historic-deployment/|title=VFA 34 'Blueblasters' return to NAS Oceana after historic deployment |work=WTKR|date=10 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414235152/http://wtkr.com/2018/04/10/vfa-34-blueblasters-returning-to-nas-oceana-after-historic-deployment/|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status=live}}
• VFA-37 "Ragin Bulls" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-81 "Sunliners" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-83 "Rampagers" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-87 "Golden Warriors" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-103 "Jolly Rogers" (F/A-18F)
• VFA-105 "Gunslingers" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-106 "Gladiators" (Fleet Replacement Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F)
• VFA-131 "Wildcats" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-211 "Fighting Checkmates" (F/A-18E)
• VFA-213 "Black Lions" (F/A-18F)
• Test and Evaluation squadrons
• VX-9 "Vampires" (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
• VX-23 "Salty Dogs" (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
• VX-31 "Dust Devils" (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
• Warfighting Development Centers
• NAWDC (Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
• Flight Demonstration squadrons
• U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) (F/A-18E/F)

Each U.S. Navy deployable "Fleet" VFA squadron has a standard unit establishment of 12 aircraft.

{{clear}}

• On 6 April 2011, a U.S. Navy F/A-18F from VFA-122 Tactical Demonstration team crashed, killing both crew members. The crash occurred when the crew attempted to perform a loaded roll with too much speed and insufficient angle-of-attack. The loaded roll has since been removed from the Navy's F/A-18F flight demonstration routine.{{cite web |last=Eiman |first=Mike |date=1 February 2012 |title=NASL crash caused by practice mistakes |url=https://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/nasl-crash-caused-by-practice-mistakes/article_cb288a54-4d11-11e1-9f29-001871e3ce6c.html |work=Hanford Sentinel}}
• On 31 July 2019, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E from VFA-151 crashed into the side of "Star Wars Canyon" in California, killing the pilot and injuring seven French civilian sightseers at the Father Crowley Vista Point {{convert|40|ft}} above the impact point. The crash was attributed to flying "too fast and too low with respect to the surrounding terrain". Military training within the canyon was suspended, with standing instructions to stay above the rim of the canyon.{{cite web |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/05/22/inside-a-fatal-super-hornet-crash-in-star-wars-canyon/ |title=Inside a fatal Super Hornet crash in Star Wars canyon |date=23 May 2020 |first=Geoff |last=Ziezulewicz |work= Navy Times}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/military-crash-one-year-later.htm |title=Military Plane Crash in Death Valley: One Year Later |date=31 July 2020 |work=NPS News Release}}{{Cite web |date=23 May 2022 |title=R-2508 User's Handbook, 22 May 2022 |url=https://www.edwards.af.mil/Portals/50/Handbook_5_23_2022.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604160945/https://www.edwards.af.mil/Portals/50/Handbook_5_23_2022.pdf |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=edwards.af.mil}}
• On June 3 2022, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E from VFA-113 crashed near NWS China Lake. {{Cite web |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=2022-06-04 |title=Pilot Killed in Super Hornet Crash Near China Lake |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/06/03/pilot-killed-in-super-hornet-crash-near-china-lake |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=USNI News |language=en-US}}
• On 22 December 2024, a U.S. Navy F/A-18F took off from the aircraft carrier {{USS|Harry S. Truman}} operating in the Red Sea and was hit by friendly SM-2 surface-to-air missile fired from {{USS|Gettysburg|CG-64|6}} operating in the same area. The two pilots onboard ejected with minor injuries and were rescued.{{cite web |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/12/21/u-s-super-hornet-shot-down-over-red-sea-in-friendly-fire-incident-aviators-safe |title=U.S. Super Hornet Shot Down Over Red Sea in Friendly Fire Incident; Aviators Safe |work=USNI News |date=21 December 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/12/22/friendly-fire-eject-hornet-redsea/ |title=U.S. ship shoots down jet in friendly fire over Red Sea, military says |newspaper=The Washington Post |last1=Brasch |first1=Ben |last2=Lamothe |first2=Dan |date=22 December 2024 |access-date=26 March 2025}}
• On 28 April 2025, a F/A 18E Super Hornet fell off an elevator of the USS Harry Truman after the carrier turned sharply to evade Houthi fire. The driver of the tractor and the pilot both escaped without major injuries. The carrier was operating in the Red Sea during the incident. {{Cite web |last=Britzky |first=Haley |last2=Bertrand |first2=Natasha |last3=Lendon |first3=Brand |title=US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/28/politics/us-navy-jet-overboard/index.html |access-date=29 April 2025}}{{Cite web |last=Ables |first=Kesley |last2=Horton |first2=Alex |date=29 April 2025 |title=Navy fighter jet falls into sea after U.S. carrier evades Houthi fire |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/29/fighter-jet-lost-hornet-houthis-red-sea/ |access-date=29 April 2025 |website=The Washington post}}{{Cite web |date=28 April 2025 |title=Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group F/A-18 Super Hornet Lost at Sea |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4167948/harry-s-truman-carrier-strike-group-fa-18-super-hornet-lost-at-sea/}}
• On 6 May 2025, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 fell overboard on the USS Harry Truman after a failure with the carrier's arresting gear. The pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely and were recovered.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-07 |title=Second US fighter jet falls overboard from Truman aircraft carrier |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq808gkn597o |url-status=live |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=BBC}}

File:F18 schem 02.gif

File:US Navy 070204-N-7780S-106 An F-A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the.jpg

File:Super Hornet on flight deck.jpg, December 2006]]

{{Aircraft specs

|prime units?=kts

|ref=U.S. Navy fact file, F/A-18E/F NATOPS,[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/f18ef/ "F/A-18E/F Super Hornet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009193946/http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/f18ef/ |date=9 October 2006}} Aerospaceweb.org. Retrieved: 16 August 2010.{{cite report |url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/F18-EF-000.pdf |title=NATOPS FLIGHT MANUAL, NAVY MODEL F/A-18E/F, 165533 AND UP AIRCRAFT |publisher=Naval Air Systems Command |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231202517/https://info.publicintelligence.net/F18-EF-000.pdf |archive-date=31 December 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite report |url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/F18-EF-200.pdf |title=NATOPS FLIGHT MANUAL PERFORMANCE DATA, NAVY MODEL F/A-18E/F, 165533 AND UP AIRCRAFT |publisher=Naval Air Systems Command |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042307/http://info.publicintelligence.net/F18-EF-200.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}} F/A-18E Standard Aircraft Characteristics (SAC),{{cite report |url=https://pdfcoffee.com/f-a-18e-super-hornet-standard-aircraft-characteristics-pdf-free.html |title=STANDARD AIRCRAFT CHARACTERISTICS F/A-18E SUPER HORNET |publisher=Naval Air Systems Command |date=March 2001 |access-date=3 November 2024}} FY 2012 Selected Acquisition Report{{cite report |url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/FOID/Reading%20Room/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/FY_2012_SARS/F-A-18E-F_December_2012_SAR.pdf |title=Selected Acquisition Report (SAR): F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft (F/A-18E/F) as of December 31, 2012 |publisher=Defense Acquisition Management Information Retrieval | access-date=4 December 2022}}

|crew= F/A-18E: 1 (pilot), F/A-18F: 2 (pilot and weapon systems officer)

|length ft=60

|length in=1.25

|length m=18.31

|span ft=44

|span in=8.5

|span m=13.62

|height ft=16

|height m=4.88

|wing area sqft=500

|wing area sqm=46.5

|empty weight lb=32,081

|empty weight kg=14,552

|gross weight lb=47,000

|gross weight kg=21,320

|gross weight note=(equipped for fighter escort)

|max takeoff weight lb=66,000

|max takeoff weight kg=29,937

|more general= *Internal fuel capacity: F/A-18E: {{convert|14700|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, F/A-18F: {{convert|13760|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}

• External fuel capacity: Up to 4 × {{convert|480|usgal|L|adj=on|abbr=on|0}} tanks, totaling {{convert|13040|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, option for 2 x {{convert|515|usgal|L|adj=on|abbr=on|0}} conformal fuel tanks totaling an additional {{convert|7000|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} on Block III{{cite web |url=https://www.boeing.com/defense/fa-18-super-hornet/#/technical-specifications | title= F/A-18 Super Hornet | website=Boeing | access-date=2023-02-07}}

|eng1 name=General Electric F414-GE-400

|eng1 type=turbofans

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 lbf=13,000

|eng1 kn=62.3

|eng1 lbf-ab=22,000

|eng1 kn-ab=97.9

|max speed mph=1,190

|max speed kmh=1,915

|max speed note=at 40,000 ft (12,190 m)

|max speed mach=1.8

• Mach 1.06, {{convert|700|knots|mph km/h|0|abbr=on}} at sea level

|cruise speed kts=482

|cruise speed note=fighter escort

|ceiling ft=52,300

|ceiling m=15940

|range nmi=1,275

|range km=2,346

|range note=with armament of two AIM-9s

|combat range nmi=444

|combat range note=combat radius for interdiction mission with 2× 480-gallon (1,800 L) drop tanks

• {{cvt|489|nmi|lk=in}} interdiction mission on 3× 480-gallon (1,800 L) drop tanks
• {{cvt|462|nmi}} fighter escort (air-to-air) mission on internal fuel only

|ferry range nmi=1,800

|ferry range miles=2,070

|ferry range km=3,330

|climb rate ftmin= 44,882[http://www.fighterworld.com.au/az-of-fighter-aircraft/series-3/super-hornet "F/A-18F Super Hornet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412112218/http://www.fighterworld.com.au/az-of-fighter-aircraft/series-3/super-hornet |date=12 April 2013}} Fighterworld. Retrieved: 20 February 2013

|climb rate ms= 228

|wing loading lb/sqft= 94.0

|wing loading kg/m2= 459

|wing loading note=or {{convert|127.0|lb/sqft|kg/sqm|abbr=on}} at max takeoff weight

|thrust/weight= 0.931.1 with loaded weight & 50% internal fuel

|more performance=*Design load factor: 7.5 g

|guns= 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A2 Vulcan, 412 rounds

|hardpoints= 11 (2× wingtips, 6× under-wing, and 3× under-fuselage)

|hardpoint capacity= Max payload: 17,750 lb (8,050 kg). Carrier bringback payload: F/A-18E: 9,900 lb (4,491 kg), F/A-18F: 9,000 lb (4,082 kg)

|hardpoint missiles=

• Air-to-air missiles
• Fighter escort: 7× AIM-120 AMRAAM{{refn|AMRAAM loadout can be reduced to 2 for increased range.|group=N}} and 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder or
• 5x AIM-120 and 4× AIM-9[https://web.archive.org/web/20250108140910/https://www.navy.mil/Portals/1/CNO/NAVPLAN2024/Files/Delivering-Warfighting-Advantage.pdf • "Murder Hornet" configuration (4× AIM-9X and 5× AIM-120) in combat.] or
• 4× AIM-174B,{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/07/u-s-navy-confirms-sm-6-air-launched-configuration-is-operationally-deployed/|title=U.S. Navy Confirms SM-6 Air Launched Configuration Is 'Operationally Deployed'|date=5 July 2024}}{{refn|name="test flights"|4x missiles has been tested but no evidence of this configuration being operational yet.{{cite web|url=https://www.twz.com/air/f-a-18-super-hornet-appears-with-unprecedented-heavy-air-to-air-missile-load/|title=F/A-18 Super Hornet Appears With Unprecedented Heavy Air-To-Air Missile Load|date=11 September 2024}}|group=N}} 2× AIM-120, and 2× AIM-9 or
• 4× AIM-7 Sparrow and 2× AIM-9
• maximum of 2× AIM-9 and:
• 12× AIM-120 AMRAAM or 8× AIM-7 Sparrow{{cn|date=March 2025}} {{cite journal|url=https://www.ausairpower.net/SuperBug.html|title=Flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet|journal=Australian Aviation |date=27 Jan 2014|volume=2001 |last1=Kopp |first1=Carlo }}
• Air-to-surface missiles
• AGM-65E/F Maverick
• AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER
• AGM-88 HARM
• AGM-158 JASSM
• AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) - glide bomb
• AGM-84 Harpoon
• AGM-158C LRASM
• Joint Strike Missile (JSM) (to be integrated)

|hardpoint bombs=

• JDAM bombs (up to 10× GBU-32/35/38/54 or 4× GBU-31)
• Paveway series of laser-guided bombs
• Mk 80 series unguided bombs
• CBU-78 Gator mine system{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
• Mk 20 Rockeye II cluster bomb{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
• Mk-62/63/65 Quick Strike Naval mine

|hardpoint other=

• SUU-42A/A Flares/infrared decoy dispenser pod and chaff pod
• AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system pod
• up to 4× {{convert|480|usgal|abbr=on}} drop tanks and 1× A/A42R-1 Aerial Refueling Store pod for aerial refueling.
• 12× ADM-141C TALD decoys
• AWW-13 Advanced data link pod

|avionics=

• Hughes AN/APG-73 or Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA radar
• Northrop Grumman/ITT ALQ-165 self-protection jammer system or L3Harris AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasures system
• Raytheon AN/ALE-50 or BAE Systems AN/ALE-55 towed decoy
• Raytheon AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver
• Lockheed Martin AN/ASG-34(V)1 IRST21 infrared search and track (mounted on centerline external tank)
• Raytheon AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR or Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening targeting pod
• MIDS LVT or MIDS JTRS datalink transceiver

}}

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

• Aircraft in fiction#F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

|related=

• McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
• Boeing EA-18G Growler

|similar aircraft=

• Dassault Rafale
• Eurofighter Typhoon
• J-15 / J-11BH/SH / Sukhoi Su-33
• Mikoyan MiG-29K / Mikoyan MiG-35

|lists=

• List of fighter aircraft
• List of active United States military aircraft
• List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft

}}

{{clear}}

{{Reflist|group=N}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• Donald, David. "Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet", Warplanes of the Fleet. London: AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. {{ISBN|978-1-88058-889-5}}.
• Elward, Brad. Boeing F/A-18 Hornet (WarbirdTech, Vol. 31). North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2001. {{ISBN|978-1-58007-041-6}}.
• Elward, Brad. The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet & EA-18G Growler: A Developmental and Operational History. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 2013. {{ISBN|978-0-76434-041-3}}.
• Holmes, Tony. US Navy Hornet Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom. London: Osprey Publishing, 2004. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-801-4}}.
• Jenkins, Dennis R. F/A-18 Hornet: A Navy Success Story. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000. {{ISBN|978-0-07134-696-2}}.
• Winchester, Jim. The Encyclopedia of Modern Aircraft. San Diego: Thunder Bay Press, 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-59223-628-2}}.

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1 F/A-18 U.S. Navy fact file] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111033712/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1 |date=11 January 2014 }}, and [https://web.archive.org/web/20141217024406/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/fa18.htm F/A-18 Navy history page]
• [http://www.boeing.com/defense/fa-18-super-hornet/ Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet page] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20110627182024/http://www.boeing.com/AeroIndia2011/pdf/Aero_India_Super_Hornet_Briefing.pdf Super Hornet Aero India briefing] on Boeing.com
• [http://tnmot.org/collection/f-a-18-e1-super-hornet-u-s-navy/] First Super Hornet produced resides at The National Museum of Transportation, St. Louis MO

{{McDD aircraft}}

{{Boeing military aircraft}}

{{F-5 family}}

{{US fighters}}

{{US attack aircraft}}

{{ADF aircraft prefixes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing F A-18E F Super Hornet}}

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