US Navy grants GE a $2.87 billion contract for F/A-18 and Growler engine support

General Electric secured a $2.87 billion contract from the US Navy to deliver logistics support for 17 F414-GE turbofan components that power the carrier-based F/A-18 Super Hornet and its electronic-warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler. The agreement spans five years, with a completion deadline of August 2031 and a firm ceiling price. Each aircraft uses two engines producing roughly 22,000 lb of thrust, giving the pair a combined thrust near 45,000 lb.

Despite the ongoing transition to the F-35 Lightning II, the Navy intends to keep both jets in service for decades, relying on the contract to maintain readiness. GE describes the F414 as offering unrestricted performance, rapid throttle response, and stable afterburner operation. Beyond these platforms, the engine also powers the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen and India’s Tejas LCA, underscoring its broader significance in modern fighter fleets.