The Boeing EA-18G Growler is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft, capable of operating either from an aircraft carrier or from land bases.

The Growler is a specialised version of the combat-proven two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, entering operational service with the United States Navy (USN) in late 2009.

The aircraft’s primary missions are electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defences, at the start and ongoing early stages of hostilities.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fleet of 11 Growlers assists both the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy to deliver a networked joint force able to manoeuvre and fight in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The RAAF’s Growlers, operated by No. 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, are sustained under Boeing’s Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program (ACEASP) until 2025.

Boeing’s Defence sustainment contract sees it leverage both local industry expertise and Original Equipment Manufacturer capabilities from The Boeing Company in the U.S, to provide sustainment services for the RAAF’s fleet of EA-18G Growlers and 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.

Through the ACEASP, Boeing provides logistics, maintenance, engineering and operational and capability upgrade management services to its RAAF customers.

The aircraft are tied in with the USN spiral development program – ensuring the platform keeps its capability edge – with significant hardware and software enhancements delivered to the fleets on a two-yearly cycle.

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