The US Navy is considering creating additional capacity to modernize the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrier-based fighter jets and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.
The U.S. Navy has about 550 Super Hornets, which are being modernized under the SLM program with longer service lives of 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours and avionics upgrades.
At the same time, about 160 EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft are planned to be modernized under the Block II program, updating their electronic warfare equipment.
The Navy expects to send up to 47 aircraft annually for modernization, keeping the program going until at least the mid-2030s.
The need to extend the Super Hornet's service stems from the delay in the transition to the next-generation F/A-XX fighters, the first of which are not expected to enter service until the 1930s.