F/A-18E/F (Fighter) Hornet

The FA-18E/F Program is a major line item in the Department of the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget, supporting the acquisition, delivery, and final production activities for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a multi-mission, carrier-capable strike fighter. The primary goal of this program is to ensure the Navy maintains a robust inventory of modern, versatile tactical aircraft capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, including fleet air defense, interdiction, and close air support. The F/A-18E/F's ability to be rapidly configured for different roles provides operational commanders with significant flexibility in dynamic combat environments.

For FY 2026, the objectives of the program shift from new aircraft procurement to supporting the final stages of production and ensuring a smooth transition as the production line concludes. The FY 2026 request funds Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) for government production-related logistics operations, supports the delivery of the final Lot 47 aircraft, and covers costs associated with the orderly shutdown of the production line. This includes planning and administration for the disposition of tools and equipment, data transition, supplier close-out, and both government and contractor labor related to these activities.

The airframe and contractor furnished equipment component, managed primarily by Boeing in St. Louis, MO, encompasses the manufacturing and delivery of the aircraft's structural components and systems. The program's procurement history reflects a multi-year procurement strategy, with congressional additions in recent years resulting in a total of 17 additional aircraft. Final deliveries are scheduled through April 2027, with FY 2023 marking the last year of new aircraft procurement. The FY 2026 funding ensures all contractual and logistical obligations for these final aircraft are met.

The engines and engine accessories line, supplied by General Electric in Lynn, MA, supports the acquisition and delivery of F414 engines and related components. The FY 2026 budget does not include new engine procurement but provides for the completion of outstanding deliveries and the closure of engine-related contracts. This ensures that all aircraft delivered in the final production lots are fully equipped and operational, and that the engine supply chain is properly concluded without impacting ongoing support contracts for in-service aircraft.

Integrated Logistics Support activities funded in FY 2026 are critical for sustaining the operational readiness of the F/A-18E/F fleet as production ends. These activities include technical data management, transition of production-related information, and support for the disposition of government and contractor property. The ILS funding also covers the final delivery and acceptance processes for the last aircraft, ensuring that all Navy requirements for documentation, training, and support equipment are fulfilled.

Production line shutdown funding in FY 2026 is specifically justified by the need to responsibly wind down the manufacturing infrastructure associated with the F/A-18E/F program. This includes costs for the physical disposition of production tools and equipment, transitioning data and intellectual property, and closing out supplier and subcontractor agreements. The goal is to minimize risk and cost to the government while preserving essential knowledge and capabilities for potential future requirements or sustainment needs.