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The United States has approved a potential foreign military sale to Australia valued at approximately US$250 million (AU$362.3 million), covering training and associated equipment for the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The approval, announced by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is designed to enhance Australia’s ability to operate and sustain its advanced fast jet fleet, while strengthening interoperability with US forces.
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The package includes training support and related equipment aimed at maintaining operational readiness across Australia’s strike and electronic warfare capabilities. The F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler form a core part of Australia’s air combat capability, with the Growler providing specialist airborne electronic attack functions.
According to the US State Department, the proposed support will help ensure Australian aircrew and support personnel remain proficient in operating the platforms in demanding operational environments. The first delivery of associated support under the programme is expected from 2031.
The Super Hornet provides multirole strike and air combat capability, while the Growler is designed to disrupt, degrade and deny adversary electronic systems through advanced jamming and electronic attack operations. Together, the platforms underpin a critical component of Australia’s integrated air warfare capability.
The package builds on longstanding cooperation between Australia and the United States in fast jet training, sustainment and capability development, reflecting continued alignment in Indo-Pacific defence priorities.
The package is also reflective of the increasingly complex operational environment in the Indo-Pacific, where contested airspace and sophisticated integrated air defence networks place a premium on electronic warfare, data-linked operations and coalition integration.
According to US officials, the proposed support will help ensure Australian aircrew and maintenance personnel remain proficient in operating and sustaining these platforms in demanding operational environments, including high-tempo coalition exercises and contingency operations.
The cooperation builds on decades of close Australia–United States defence integration, particularly in naval aviation and strike fighter training pipelines. It also supports ongoing efforts to align tactics, training, and procedures across allied F/A-18E/F and EA-18G communities, ensuring seamless interoperability in combined air operations.
Together, the Super Hornet and Growler form a key component of Australia’s integrated air and maritime strike capability, underpinning deterrence and coalition warfighting effectiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
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