Boeing Awarded $1.16B Super Hornet Contract for Kuwait Fighter Program

Boeing was awarded a $1.16 billion long-anticipated contract for 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet tactical fighters for the Kuwait Air Force, according to a Friday Pentagon contract announcement.

The 22 single-seat ‘E’ and six two-seat ‘F’ variants are set to replace Kuwait’s 27 current crop of F-18C Hornet fighters.

According to the notification, the contract also provides for long-lead radar warning receivers and aircraft armament equipment. The initial contract pays Boeing $275 million and is set to run until 2022.

The State Department issued a notification to Congress that Kuwait was set to by 40 Super Hornets in late 2016.

“Kuwait is a strategic partner in maintaining stability in the region. The acquisition of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft will allow for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives,” read the November 2016 notification.

The Kuwait deal is one of several potential international competitions for the Super Hornet, including Finland, India, Switzerland and Germany. In addition to U.S. Navy planned purchases, additional international sales could keep the Missouri-line production line open into the 2030s.

Read full article by Sam LaGrone on USNI News, April 1, 2018