Fighter Aircraft
Boeing EA-18G Growler
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a two-seat carrier-based electronic attack aircraft built by Boeing in the United States, in US Navy service since 2009. Derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet, it replaced the EA-6B Prowler and is also flown by Australia.
United States|BoeingWhat Is the Boeing EA-18G Growler? Overview, History and Development
The Growler is a Super Hornet airframe fitted for jamming and electronic warfare, with Northrop Grumman supplying mission systems. It first flew on 15 August 2006 and entered US Navy service in 2009, with VAQ-132 reaching initial operating capability in September 2009. Two GE F414 engines give a top speed of about Mach 1.8. Systems include ALQ-218 receivers, ALQ-99 and the Next Generation Jammer (AN/ALQ-249) pods and ALQ-227 communications countermeasures. It carries AGM-88 HARM and AIM-120 missiles.
About 172 Growlers were built, roughly 160 for the US Navy and 12 for the Royal Australian Air Force, delivered from 2015 to 2017. Production ended in 2018. Navy carrier air wings operate it in Electronic Attack Squadrons, and RAAF No. 6 Squadron flies the Australian jets. It has been used over Libya in 2011, Iraq and Syria from 2014 to 2018 and in European deployments in 2022. Germany ordered eight in 2022, with deliveries expected around 2029. Unit cost is about US$67 to 70 million, an estimate.
Boeing EA-18G Growler Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Boeing EA-18G Growler Variants and Versions Compared
The EA-18G is the standard Growler electronic attack version flown by the US Navy and Australia.
The EA-18G Block 2 added upgraded electronics and communications under a later production configuration.
The EA-18G Block II refers to the improved configuration with the Next Generation Jammer and newer avionics.
Which Countries Use the Boeing EA-18G Growler? Operators and Users
United States
AustraliaBoeing EA-18G Growler FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What does the EA-18G Growler do?
The Boeing EA-18G Growler jams enemy radars and communications and suppresses air defences. It protects strike packages and carries AGM-88 HARM missiles to attack radar emitters.
How much does an EA-18G Growler cost?
An EA-18G Growler costs about US$67 to 70 million per aircraft, according to a FY2012 US Navy figure, which is an estimate. Production ended in 2018 after about 172 were built.
Which countries use the EA-18G Growler?
The United States and Australia operate the EA-18G Growler. Germany ordered eight in 2022, with deliveries expected around 2029, so it is not yet an operator.
How many EA-18G Growlers are there?
About 172 EA-18G Growlers were built, including roughly 160 for the US Navy and 12 for the RAAF. Production ended in 2018.
EA-18G Growler vs EA-6B Prowler: what is the difference?
The EA-18G Growler is a two-seat Super Hornet derivative with a modern jamming suite, while the EA-6B Prowler was an older four-seat design. The Growler replaced the Prowler and can fly with supersonic strike aircraft.
Is the EA-18G Growler stealth?
No, the Boeing EA-18G Growler is not a stealth aircraft. It protects strike packages by jamming rather than by low observability. Its role is to jam radars and communications so that other aircraft can operate, and it shares the Super Hornet’s conventional radar signature.