The US DoD has authorised the US Navy and Boeing to offer the EA-18G Growler to Finland. Credit: Aviation PhotoCrew.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has given approval to Boeing and the US Navy to offer the EA-18G Growler to Finland.

The approval follows a query issued by the Finnish Ministry of Defense if it could be offered the airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft as part of their HX fighter programme procurement.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

With the approval, Finland has become the second country after Australia to be authorised to purchase the aircraft.

In June 2014, Boeing received a contract to supply 12 Growlers to the Royal Australian Air Force under a foreign military sales agreement with the US Navy.

Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18G programmes vice-president Dan Gillian said: “All strike fighter aircraft rely on Growler escort to increase survivability during high-threat missions.

“The combination of the Super Hornet Block III and Growler would provide Finland with superior technological capability particularly suited to Finland’s HX mission requirements.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
“Armed with AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, Growler offers the ability to self-protect against adversarial aircraft.”

Growler, which is an F/A-18 variant, provides tactical jamming and electronic protection and is claimed to be one of the world’s most advanced AEA platforms.

The aircraft is designed to disrupt, deceive or deny a range of military electronic systems, including radar and communication systems. It is in service with the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Armed with AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, Growler offers the ability to self-protect against adversarial aircraft.

Finland intends to phase out its Hornet fighters by 2030. The HX fighter programme is aimed at replacing Helsinki’s current fleet with new manned multi-role fighters.

Last month, the Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command received replies from five aircraft manufacturers for the invitations to tender for the HX fighter programme.

The final decision on the replacement of the Hornet fleet is expected in 2021.