Boeing has announced that it expects to complete new-build
production of the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft in late
2025, following delivery of the final U.S. Navy fighters.
Since the F/A-18 debuted in
1983, Boeing has delivered more than 2,000 Hornets, Super Hornets
and EA-18G Growlers to customers around the world including the
U.S. Navy, Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and
Switzerland.
To meet demand for
defense products and services, Boeing plans to continue hiring
year-on-year for the next five at its St. Louis site. More than 900 people were hired in the region last year.
Production could also be extended to 2027 if the Super Hornet is
selected by an international customer.
“We are
planning for our future, and building fighter aircraft is in our
DNA,” said Steve Nordlund, Boeing Air Dominance Vice President and
St. Louis Site Leader. “As we invest in and develop the next era
of capability, we are applying the same innovation and expertise
that made the F/A-18 a workhorse for the U.S. Navy and air forces
around the world for nearly 40 years.”
The F/A-18
production decision allows Boeing to:
– : To support work on the next
generation of advanced crewed and uncrewed aircraft, Boeing plans
to build three new, state-of-the-art facilities in St. Louis.
The facilities, as well as the new Advanced Composite
Fabrication Center in Arizona, and the new MQ-25 production
facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, represent more than a $1
billion investment.
Boeing has invested $700 million into St. Louis
infrastructure upgrades during the past decade, enabling the
introduction of new design and build techniques streamlining
processes and improving first-time quality.
– : Boeing St. Louis will increase
production of the world’s first all-digital training system, the
T-7A Red Hawk, and the world’s first carrier-deployed autonomous
refueling aircraft, the MQ-25 Stingray, along with ongoing
production of new F-15EX Eagle IIs and 777X wing components.
–
: The company will continue
to develop advanced capabilities and upgrades for the global
F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleet. Throughout the next
decade, all Block II Super Hornets in Service Life Modification
will receive the Block III capability suite. Boeing will also
continue to add advanced electronic attack capability as part of
ongoing Growler modifications.
