Article Posted on : - Sep 26, 2011

The advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet Block II. A Boeing photo.

TOKYO (BNS): Boeing and the US Navy have delivered a proposal to the government of Japan offering the advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet Block II to become the Japan Air Self Defense Force's (JASDF) next premier fighter aircraft.

The F/A-18E Block II is the United States' newest operational and combat-proven fighter aircraft. Japan issued a Request for Proposal for its F-X fighter competition on April 13, with a deadline of today, a Boeing statement said.

The advanced Super Hornet version offered to Japan is based on the F/A-18E/F model operated around the globe by the US Navy.

"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.

"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 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."

The Super Hornet Block II provides the most advanced strike fighter capability available. With date-certain deliveries, cost-certain production and proven combat capability, the Super Hornet is the low-risk, high-end multirole fighter solution for the United States and its global defense partners.

Boeing has delivered more than 460 Super Hornets to the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.