Boeing to Shut Down Super Hornet Production Lines
The defense contractor will pivot its workforce to new programs following the formal completion of the aircraft's production cycle.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Manufacturing
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The US Navy has awarded Boeing a $16.7 million contract to manage the formal shutdown of production lines for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. This move concludes the manufacturing era for these aircraft types, with production winding down following the completion of final deliveries by 2027.
Why it matters
The contract marks the end of a long-standing defense manufacturing program as the firm shifts its St. Louis production workforce to other platforms like the F-15EX, T-7A, and MQ-25. This transition follows Boeing's failure to secure new international orders for the aircraft, impacting long-term production site operations.
The US Navy awarded a $16.7 million contract to wind down operations, distinct from Boeing’s previous $1.3 billion order for 17 Block III Super Hornets. Total work is spread across three facilities, with 60% of the shutdown activity centered in St. Louis.
The players
Boeing
A major aerospace and defense contractor that designs, manufactures, and supports commercial and military aircraft on a global scale.
US Navy
The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval operations, including the procurement and lifecycle management of aircraft.
The details
Under contract N0001926F1139, Boeing will inventory government-owned equipment and draft a disposition plan for the transition. This shutdown process effectively closes the manufacturing line for the Super Hornet and Growler after a decades-long production run. The company is actively migrating its existing St. Louis production workforce to programs including the F-15EX, T-7A, and MQ-25 to maintain site capacity.
Timeline
November 29, 1995: The Super Hornet made its maiden flight.
January 1999: Deliveries of Super Hornets to the US Navy began.
2023: Boeing announced it would halt Super Hornet production.
2027: Projected delivery of the final Super Hornet order.
November 2030: Expected completion of the production line shutdown contract.
Market Landscape
This shutdown marks the formal conclusion of the manufacturing lifecycle for the F/A-18 Super Hornet program. It follows a shift in defense manufacturing priorities after the platform failed to secure required international contracts to sustain production lines.
Operators in the defense supply chain should watch for workforce and equipment disposition shifts as prime contractors reorganize production capacity. Firms involved in these specific aircraft programs should review contract expiration dates and pivot toward secondary maintenance and service life extension work.
The takeaway
The end of Super Hornet production underscores the importance of monitoring defense prime contractor backlogs and pivot schedules. Managers should note that the Service Life Modification program continues, aiming to extend current aircraft life to 10,000 flying hours.
Further reading
For broader trends in defense equipment production, see our coverage of Manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News.
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