General Dynamics Mission Systems will produce Next Generation Electronic Attack Units for the U.S. Navy under a $184 million contract that also covers sustainment support. The award moves the units into full-rate production for the EA-18G Growler Block II modernization program, with work continuing through 2032.
The contract was awarded in September, and the company said work would begin immediately at its Bloomington, Minnesota, facility. Production is covered by firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity terms, while sustainment work falls under cost-plus-fixed-fee terms.
“General Dynamics Mission Systems is proud to support the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler modernization with the Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit,” said Scott Dunderdale, vice president and general manager, Land and Air Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems. “This award advances the production and sustainment of a resilient, open-architecture capability designed to help ensure the fleet can rapidly adapt to evolving electronic-warfare threats.”
The units form part of a broader effort to upgrade the Growler’s cockpit, internal systems and airborne electronic attack suite. The Navy says the Block II program, which remains in development, is intended to keep the aircraft ahead of evolving threats throughout its planned service life.
Planned changes include an Advanced Cockpit System and other internal improvements shared with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block III. The Growler’s commonality with the Super Hornet and the flexibility of its design leave room for further upgrades, according to the Navy.
Built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, the Growler combines the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe with a specialized electronic warfare suite. It retains the Super Hornet’s multirole capabilities and can perform a range of missions to suppress enemy defenses.
The first Growler test aircraft flew in August 2006, followed by delivery of the first production aircraft to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in June 2008. The aircraft reached initial operational capability and entered full-rate production in fall 2009, before its combat debut during Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011.
The U.S. Navy is the Growler’s sole operator within the Department of Defense, while the Royal Australian Air Force also operates the aircraft. Four Navy expeditionary electronic attack squadrons support Air Force and Navy operations from shore bases.
