WASHINGTON, June 26, 2026 — The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $250 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia for training services and related equipment supporting the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)'s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft fleets.
The proposed sale, notified to Congress by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), is aimed at sustaining Australia's operational readiness while reinforcing the long-standing defense partnership between the United States and Australia. The package supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping Australia maintain a capable self-defense force and strengthening interoperability with U.S. and allied forces across the Indo-Pacific.
In its notification to Congress on June 25, the State Department described Australia as a key political, economic, and military ally whose strategic location contributes to peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. U.S. officials said the training support will enhance Australia's ability to address current and future security challenges while improving coordination during coalition operations and multinational exercises.
Training and Support Package
The $250 million package is focused on maintaining the proficiency of Australian aircrew and maintenance personnel operating the country's existing Super Hornet and Growler fleets.
The proposed sale includes training services, simulators, training devices and instructional aids, spare parts for training systems, logistics support, technical assistance, and other associated equipment required to sustain training activities.
The support package covers the RAAF's fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets and 12 EA-18G Growlers, based at RAAF Base Amberley and operated by No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron, respectively.
Aircraft Roles
The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a twin-engine multirole fighter capable of air superiority, precision strike, fighter escort, close air support, and day-and-night combat missions.
The EA-18G Growler, developed from the Super Hornet, is a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft designed to disrupt, deceive, and suppress enemy radar, communications, and other electronic systems, providing electronic attack support during air operations.
Australia introduced both aircraft to bridge the capability gap following the retirement of its legacy F/A-18A/B Hornets before the full introduction of the F-35A Lightning II. The two platforms continue to play an important role in the country's air combat capability.
Part of Broader Sustainment Efforts
The newly approved package complements previous U.S. support for Australia's Super Hornet and Growler fleets. In June 2025, Washington approved a separate $2 billion sustainment package that included advanced communications equipment, electronic warfare systems, spare parts, engineering services, and technical support.
Boeing, the manufacturer of both aircraft, is expected to support the training effort, while U.S. defense companies have previously provided simulator-based instruction and maintenance training under earlier agreements.
Congressional Review
The State Department said Australia is well positioned to integrate the training into its armed forces and confirmed that the proposed sale will not require additional U.S. personnel to be permanently assigned to Australia. Officials also stated that the transaction will not affect U.S. military readiness or alter the regional military balance.
The proposed Foreign Military Sale will now enter the standard 15-day congressional review period. If approved, the package will further strengthen defense cooperation between the United States and Australia while helping maintain the readiness of the RAAF's Super Hornet and Growler fleets for national and coalition operations under partnerships such as ANZUS and AUKUS.
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