Aircraft Would Include World's Most Advanced Air Combat Radar, Designed-In Stealth

A proposal to offer the advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet Block II as the Japan Air Self Defense Force's (JASDF) next premier fighter aircraft has been delivered by the U.S. Navy and Boeing. Japan issued a Request for Proposal for its F-X fighter competition on April 13, with a deadline of Sept. 26.

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"The Super Hornet is the world's most advanced multirole fighter and its selection would provide the Japan Air Self Defense Force with new, unprecedented capability," said Boeing Japan President Mike Denton. "The Super Hornet can provide the government of Japan with guaranteed pricing and a guaranteed delivery timeline, while equipping the JASDF with superior multirole capability for the defense of Japan.

"Having conducted business in Japan for more than 50 years, Boeing is excited about the extensive technical design and manufacturing opportunities the Super Hornet would bring to many areas of Japanese industry," added Denton.

The advanced Super Hornet version offered to Japan is based on the F/A-18E/F model operated around the globe by the U.S. Navy. The Royal Australian Air Force is also procuring the aircraft and has taken delivery of 20 F/A-18Fs at its base in Amberley, Queensland. Four additional Super Hornets will be delivered to Australia this year.

"We believe the Super Hornet is an optimal solution for the operational requirements of the Japan Air Self Defense Force," said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. "While the competitor aircraft specialize in either air-to-air or air-to-ground operations, the Super Hornet is a true multirole fighter, with the proven operational capability to seamlessly conduct air dominance or precision strike missions across the combined air, ground, maritime and electronic battlespace."

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.navy.mil