U.S. Navy awards Boeing Growler modification contract

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing with an $897,530,175 modification to a previous contract to procure 15 Lot 38 EA-18G aircraft, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

The contract will also include electronic aerial attack kits for the the aircraft. Work will be performed primarily in California, Missouri, and New York, with additional adjustment scheduled in other locations. The work is expected to be completed by January 2018.

The EA-18G "Growler" is a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet Block II, designed to fly electronic attack missions. The aircraft combines the Super Hornet's combat ability with the latest AEA avionics suite. The fighter comes equipped with an array of sensors and weapons, including air-to-air missiles and the Advanced Electronically Scanned Array radar.

The Growler replaced the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers, however Northrop Grumman still provides most of the electronic warfare equipment. The fighter began production in 2007, and entered active service in the U.S. Navy in 2009.