Australia - F/A-18F & EA-18G Growler Aircraft Training

June 25, 2026

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for the purchase of F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft training and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $250 million.   

The Government of Australia has requested to buy the following non-major defense equipment (MDE) items:  F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; classified and unclassified technical and non-technical manuals, books, publications, and training documentation; and other related elements of logistics and program support that will be added to the previously implemented cases.  The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $18 million ($0 in major defense equipment (MDE)), included F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.  In 2015, the case was amended and added $39 million for a total of $67 million ($0 in MDE) and included F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.  In 2018, the case was amended and added $72 million for a total of $142 million ($0 in MDE) and included F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.  This amendment caused the case to exceed congressional notification threshold, and it should have been notified to Congress at that time, but the technical error was not discovered until the partner requested an amendment.  This notification is for a combined total of the following non-MDE items:  F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; classified and unclassified technical and non-technical manuals, books, publications, and training documentation; and other related elements of logistics and program support.  The estimated total cost is $250 million. 

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States.  Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific.  The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific.  It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. 

The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the U.S. and its allies through comprehensive training.  Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this training into its armed forces. 

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. 

There is no principal contractor associated with this potential sale.  Training will be provided by U.S. Government or contract vendors based upon requirements as they are determined.  At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale.  Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. 

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia. 

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. 

Source : US Department of State