According to the report, the two aircraft were flying in close formation when they moved too close together and collided at a relatively low speed differential. Video footage reportedly showed the aircraft becoming physically entangled, briefly pitching upward and then falling toward the ground while still connected.
Four people aboard the two aircraft ejected one after another before the jets struck the ground and exploded. The air show was immediately halted to allow emergency response operations to begin.
The EA-18G Growler is a specialised variant of the F/A-18 family that combines the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe with advanced electronic warfare systems. Its airborne electronic attack package includes underwing jamming pods, antennas and data-processing systems.
The ALQ-218 system allows the aircraft to identify emissions from air defence radars and locate their source, enabling later engagement. The AN/ALQ-227 system is designed to intercept and jam signals from enemy communications systems.
The EA-18G also retains the strike capabilities of the Super Hornet, allowing it to attack detected targets with precision. The aircraft is typically used to protect larger combat formations operating in areas where enemy air defences are expected.
The Growler variant made its first flight on 15 August 2006. While the baseline F/A-18F is valued at around $67 million to $70 million, the specialised EA-18G electronic attack version costs approximately $125 million.
Boeing’s decision to wind down production of the F/A-18 family means new Growlers have not been available for sale for several years. Australia was the only foreign customer for the EA-18G outside the U.S. Navy, initially ordering 12 aircraft and later acquiring one additional jet from U.S. Navy stocks in 2021 after losing one aircraft in an accident.
The United States produced a total of 160 Growlers for its own requirements. The two aircraft lost in Idaho were used by VAQ-129 “Vikings,” a training unit based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state.
The main role of VAQ-129 is to train new aircrews who are later assigned to operational expeditionary units. The loss of the two aircraft is costly and unfortunate, but the report said it is not expected to significantly reduce U.S. combat capabilities.
