Australia Launches EA-18G Growler Acquisition for $1.5Bn

The EA-18G Growler will provide the Australian Defence Force with a potent electronic attack and electronic support capability. (photo : Aus DoD) Defence to Acquire Growler Electronic Attack Capability Australia will acquire the Growler electronic warfare system for Super Hornet which will give the Australian Defence Force the ability to jam the electronics systems of aircraft and land-based radars and communications systems. It will provide options for the Air Force to undertake electronic threat suppression operations in support of Australian Defence Force operations, including land and sea forces. The Growler capability can also undertake intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and will be able to support the full range of Defence tasks from evacuations to major conflicts. Australia will be the only country in the world, other than the United States, operating Growler aircraft. Australia has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, of which 12 are wired for conversion to Growler. The purchase of this equipment is being made through the United States Foreign Military Sales process. The estimated cost of the project is $1.5 billion, which includes funding for the Growler conversion kits, supporting equipment and systems, spares and training and initial training systems. The Growlers will be available for operations from 2018. (Aus DoD)