Mentioned:BA Boeing
The U.S. Navy plans to replace end-of-life components in the AN/AYK-22 weapons control processor used in F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. Boeing and other manufacturers have been invited to bid on development and qualification of replacement components by October 28, 2026.
What's happening
- The Navy seeks replacement components for the AN/AYK-22 processor, which manages weapons data and interfaces between the aircraft's systems and onboard armament.
- Original processor components are no longer manufactured, creating maintenance challenges for the existing fleet.
- Boeing and other manufacturers were invited to submit capability information by October 28, 2026.
- The upgrade supports the broader Block III modernization program, which extends aircraft service life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours and keeps the aircraft combat-capable through at least the 2040s.
Why it matters
- Component obsolescence threatens sustained operations of approximately 200 Super Hornet and 62 Growler aircraft in active Navy service.
- Qualified replacement components are required to maintain weapons control capability and enable integration with modern tactical data networks.
- The program extends aircraft service life and defers expensive platform replacement, preserving production and sustainment capacity.
- Successful qualification opens a competitive procurement that will drive industrial investment in avionics components and weapons system integration.
Going deeper
- The AN/AYK-22 is a ruggedized airborne processor designed for military aircraft and has been in service for decades.
- Block III modernization includes avionics improvements, tactical data exchange upgrades, and radar signature reduction alongside the processor replacement.
- Fleet Readiness Center Southwest completed the first full Block III upgrade in-house in April 2026, establishing organic modernization capability.
- The Navy plans fleet-wide transition to Block III configuration during the 2030s to sustain carrier aviation capability.
The fine print
- Bid invitation deadline is October 28, 2026; development and qualification timelines were not disclosed.
- No contract award amount or obligated funds were announced; the procurement may be structured as a development phase followed by production.
- Boeing remains the primary airframe contractor and is scheduled to deliver the last newly built Super Hornet in 2027.
Source: militarnyi.com · Oct 11, 2026 · Drafted with Claude, reviewed by Industrial Base Alpha.
