Boeing Super Hornet and Growler Demonstrate Capabilities in Finland’s HX Challenge

HELSINKI, 19 February 2020 – Yesterday, two Boeing [NYSE:BA] F/A-18 Super Hornets and an EA-18G Growler landed at Pirkkala Air Base near Tampere, Finland to begin flight trials as part of the country’s HX Challenge. The flight trials are a formal part of the procurement process and will demonstrate the capabilities of Boeing’s offering in the Finnish operating environment.

“The strong Boeing-Finland partnership started nearly 30 years ago when the first F/A-18s entered service with the Finnish Air Force,” said Maria Laine, vice president of International Strategic Partnership for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We are confident that our current offering – a mix of Super Hornet Block IIIs and Growlers – is the right choice for the Finnish Air Force and Finnish industry and will support a mutually beneficial partnership for decades to come.”

In response to the HX Competition, Boeing is offering a combination of its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets and EA-18G Growler platforms. The Block III configuration adds capability upgrades and includes a technology insertion plan that will keep it ahead of the future threat for the U.S. Navy and other air forces for decades to come. The aircraft is designed to accomplish its mission in the harshest of environments, and is capable of short takeoffs and landings making it a great fit for Finland’s remote operation requirements. It has low, documented lifecycle costs and is able to leverage up to 60% of existing infrastructure and support equipment currently in place for the F/A-18 Hornets.

The EA-18G Growler is based on the Super Hornet platform and shares over 90% of common components and systems. No aircraft goes into a sophisticated dense threat environment without Growler providing electronic attack protection.

Boeing is also offering a robust sustainment and training program built on the existing capabilities and more than 20 years of services support for Finland’s F/A-18 Hornet to easily transition existing pilots and maintainers to the Super Hornet and Growler. The sustainment program can support isolated and roadside operations, and puts repairs in-country when possible.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

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Andrea Peterson
Boeing Communications
+1 703-414-6008
+1 703-638-8521
andrea.j.peterson@boeing.com

Justin Gibson
Boeing Communications
+1 314-777-7863
+1 314-708-6293
justin.l.gibson@boeing.com