The US Defense Department has announced that Raytheon Systems has been awarded a communication equipment development contract for the AF/A-18F aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Under the $12.7m contract, Raytheon will manufacture 30 electronic modules for AF/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft by August 2013.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with built-in versatility, is the most advanced combat-proven strike fighter, capable of performing day and night strikes with precision-guided weapons.

A suite of integrated and networked systems in the F/A-18E/F aircraft provides enhanced interoperability and total force support to the combatant commander and the troops on the ground.