Boeing

TOKYO, Sept. 26, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy have delivered a proposal to the government of Japan offering the advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet Block II to become the Japan Air Self Defense Force's (JASDF) next premier fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E Block II is the United States' newest operational and combat-proven fighter aircraft. Japan issued a Request for Proposal for its F-X fighter competition on April 13, with a deadline of Sept. 26.

"The Super Hornet is the world's most advanced multirole fighter and its selection would provide the Japan Air Self Defense Force with new, unprecedented capability," said Boeing Japan President Mike Denton. "The Super Hornet can provide the government of Japan with guaranteed pricing and a guaranteed delivery timeline, while equipping the JASDF with superior multirole capability for the defense of Japan.

"Having conducted business in Japan for more than 50 years, Boeing is excited about the extensive technical design and manufacturing opportunities the Super Hornet would bring to many areas of Japanese industry," added Denton.

The advanced Super Hornet version offered to Japan is based on the F/A-18E/F model operated around the globe by the U.S. Navy. The Royal Australian Air Force is also procuring the aircraft and has taken delivery of 20 F/A-18Fs at its base in Amberley, Queensland. Four additional Super Hornets will be delivered to Australia this year.

"We believe the Super Hornet is an optimal solution for the operational requirements of the Japan Air Self Defense Force," said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. "While the competitor aircraft specialize in either air-to-air or air-to-ground operations, the Super Hornet is a true multirole fighter, with the proven operational capability to seamlessly conduct air dominance or precision strike missions across the combined air, ground, maritime and electronic battlespace."

The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. The Super Hornet Block II provides the most advanced strike fighter capability available. With date-certain deliveries, cost-certain production and proven combat capability, the Super Hornet is the low-risk, high-end multirole fighter solution for the United States and its global defense partners. Boeing has delivered more than 460 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 64,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Contact:

Philip Carder
F/A-18 & EA-18 Programs
+1 314-234-6516
philip.b.carder@boeing.com

Mitsuko Takahashi
Boeing Japan
+81(3)5223-1234 x1701
mitsuko.takahashi@boeing.com