Boeing Expands Partnerships with German Industry on F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler

(14 Jan 2022)  Boeing is expanding its industrial partnership strategy in Germany in support of the F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler offering to the Bundeswehr.

German industry will play a significant role in providing support equipment, logistics and overall maintenance, parts, local sustainment programs, training and other relevant repair and overhaul solutions for Germany’s potential Super Hornet and Growler fleet.

German industry will also have the opportunity to participate in the development of the Next Generation Jammer for the EA-18G Growler.

Super Hornet Block III and EA-18G Growler. Photo: Boeing.

A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued to more than 10 German companies to solicit bids. The RFIs are the first step towards in-country sustainment worth approximately US$4 billion / €3.5 billion over the lifecycle of the programs, and will contribute additional economic opportunity and value to the German economy as the programs evolve.

“Germany is home to outstanding aerospace expertise and innovation and we look forward to expanding our partnerships locally for Germany’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleet,” said Dr. Michael Haidinger, president of Boeing Germany, Central and Eastern Europe, Benelux and the Nordics. “With this partner expansion strategy, we are laying the foundation for new business opportunities for German industry champions, high-skilled new jobs and long-term economic growth.”

The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III provides advanced, proven capabilities, as well as low life-cycle and acquisition costs ideally suited to meet Germany’s fighter requirements, including the dual capable commitments to NATO.

With the lowest operating costs of all U.S. tactical aircraft in production (US$19,500 / €17,000 per flight hour, source: U.S. DoD Special Acquisition Report), combined with low procurement costs, the Super Hornet saves billions of dollars/Euros over its entire service life of +10,000 flight hours

The EA-18G Growler provides full spectrum protection, jamming radars and disrupting communications. The combination of Super Hornet Block III and EA-18G Growler will give the Luftwaffe advanced capability in both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions.