KEY INTELLIGENCE TAKEAWAYS & SUMMARY

• The U.S. Navy has initiated market research to establish secondary or alternative SLM maintenance and repair capacity for F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft starting from the FY29 period.
• Current contractor Boeing is preparing to close its SLM line at the St. Louis facility in 2027 while focusing on the next-generation F-47 and F/A-XX programs.
• Ongoing modernization efforts aim to extend the flight lifespan of the aircraft from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours and upgrade them to Block III standards.
• In line with current plans, the Navy anticipates a modernization and modification circulation of a maximum of 47 aircraft per year across the industry.