AIM-120C-8 for Netherlands, Japan and Spain

Boeing has delivered the first two F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet multi-role fighters to the US Navy for flight testing. The US Navy will familiarise pilots with the platform’s advanced cockpit systems, including the new 10in x 19in touchscreen display. According to Steve Wade, VP F/A-18 and EA-18G programmes at Boeing, “the aircraft will be used for carrier suitability and integration testing of all Block III mission system components. These will ensure that crews have plenty of time to become comfortable with the next generation systems before receiving operational aircraft”. The Block III Super Hornet also features capability upgrades and an enhanced communication system, along with increased range and a reduced radar signature. The fighter’s operational life will be extended from 6,000 flight hours to 10,000. Boeing has been contracted by the US Navy to provide 78 Block III Super Hornets.

The development and production contract for Boeing’s F-15EX has been awarded by the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for up to 200 aircraft over a ten-year period. The USAF plans to replace its Boeing F-15C/D Eagles with the F-15EX. Boeing has begun production the first two aircraft on its production line in St Louis, Missouri, in expectation of the order for first eight aircraft at Eglin AFB, Florida, to support the flight test programme. “The F-15EX is designed so that transition from current F-15 models will require minimal training, and bases for the new aircraft should require little or no infrastructure changes”. The most significant difference between the F-15EX and legacy F-15s is the new variant’s open mission systems architecture, which will enable rapid insertion of the latest aircraft technologies. The USAF intends to buy a total of 76 F-15EX over the five-year defence programme.

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible FMS to the Government of Netherlands for sixteen AIM- 120C- 8 Advanced Medium Range Air- to- Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $39 million. The State Department has also made a determination