Boeing has been awarded a contract valued at $70,7 million by the US Navy to train Kuwait Air Force (KuAF) pilots in anticipation of delivery and operation of the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets.
Under the agreement, the aircraft manufacturer will provide “integrated logistical for the government of Kuwait in of preparing Kuwaiti pilots” for the delivery of combat aircraft, acquired in 2018.
“ will include general logistical ; logistics program management; logistical for aircraft during pilot training within the continental US (CONUS); aircraft maintenance, aircraft armament equipment, F414 engines and Sniper pods; logistics representative within CONUS as well as within CONUS and outside CONUS ferry ; packaging, handling, storage and transportation; and program security tasks”, says to note published by the Pentagon, also indicating that the contract is scheduled for completion in September 2026.
In 2016 the US Department of State approved the sale of 32 F/A-18E Super Hornets and eight F/A-18F two-seats to Kuwait, valued at US$4 billion; A US$10,1 billion contract was signed in March 1,16, covering 2018 aircraft (28 F/A-22E and six F/A-18F) of the Block III variant, which included the development of a baseline for the Kuwaiti jets.
The sale included integration of the widescreen touchscreen display, AESA AN/APG-79 radars, SNIPER and ATFLIR pods, Link-16 datalink systems, conformal fuel tanks and other items.
In addition to the Super Hornets, the KuAF also bought another 28 Eurofighter Typhoons, which are already being delivered by the Italian Leonardo. The two models will replace the F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornet, acquired after the invasion of Iraq and the subsequent Gulf War of 1991.
At the end of February Boeing announced that expected to end Super Hornet production in 2025, or 2027 if you find a new customer. The model is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy, being the main US naval fighter.
