The United States has approved the sale of a $2 billion logistics support and sustainment package for the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. This move, confirmed by the U.S. Department of State to Congress, aims to strengthen Australia’s defense capabilities and support its role in regional security efforts.
The package, which will be primarily provided by Boeing, includes critical components such as advanced electronic warfare systems, communication terminals, and next-generation electronic attack units. This deal, part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, reflects the ongoing defense cooperation between the two nations, reports Zona Militar.
Key components of the package
The $2 billion package includes essential components to support the Australian fleet. According to the U.S. Department of State, the deal includes 60 Global Lightning – Joint Tactical Terminal (JTT-X) transceivers, 40 advanced electronic warfare systems, and 24 Next Generation Electronic Attack Units (NGEAU). In addition, the agreement encompasses spare parts, maintenance services, and hardware and software upgrades for the aircraft.
These elements are vital to ensuring the operational readiness of the F/A-18F and EA-18G fleets, enabling Australia to maintain its advanced military capabilities for both defensive and coalition operations.
Strategic benefits for Australia
The U.S. government’s approval emphasizes the operational and strategic importance of the package. According to the Department of State, the sale will enhance Australia’s ability to respond to current and future security threats, ensuring it has the necessary tools to maintain air superiority in the region. The addition of advanced electronic systems will improve Australia’s capabilities in electronic warfare and electronic attack operations, which are crucial for modern air combat.
Furthermore, the package aligns with Australia’s defense priorities, supporting the country’s ongoing contributions to mutual security goals in the Indo-Pacific region. This strengthens its position within the framework of U.S.-Australia defense cooperation, which continues to evolve in line with shared security objectives.
Recent U.S. approvals to Australia
This approval adds to several others granted to Australia in 2025, reinforcing the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Australian defense capabilities. In April 2025, the U.S. authorized the potential sale of 400 air-to-air missiles, including advanced BVR (beyond visual range) variants, as well as aircraft protection systems valued at $165 million. These earlier approvals demonstrate a broader effort to enhance Australia’s military readiness and to foster stronger defense ties between the two nations.
