F-18 A-D Unique

The F-18 A-D Unique is focused on funding modifications to the F/A-18C/D aircraft. The primary goal of this program is to implement commonality/capability and structural safety and reliability improvements. These modifications are essential to ensure that the F/A-18C/D remains lethal, survivable, and relevant through 2030. The program aims to extend the service life of the F/A-18C/D from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours and address readiness degraders impacting aircraft cost per flight hour, reliability, maintainability, and availability. Additionally, the program supports the correction of discrepancies identified as a result of structural tests and in-service experience. The specific upgrades include implementing hardware and software upgrades necessary to maintain a credible and capable fleet while also upgrading the platform to fully exploit the lethality available from a 4th / 5th generation TACAIR mix required to meet operational plan requirements until the F-35 transition completes in FY30.

The modifications budgeted in FY 2024 are aimed at ensuring that Marine Corps F/A-18C/D aircraft remain relevant until Marine TACAIR has fully transitioned to the F-35. This includes extending the service life of the airframe, addressing subsystem readiness degraders, and implementing structural enhancements and changes required to attain F/A-18 service life through FY 2030. The program also focuses on incorporating upgrades such as the APG-79(V)4 AESA Radar, Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM), and NAVWAR (GPS Anti-jam capability) to ensure that the F/A-18C/D retains relevant combat effectiveness. Furthermore, these modifications are critical for meeting documented Marine Corps requirements for tactical aircraft that can support national defense strategy and national military strategy through 2030.