Can Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet Beat Out Lockheed’s F-35 In Germany?

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The German Airforce is due to replace close to 85 of its Panavia built Tornado jets in little over a decade. The jets that were inducted in the 1970s are due to retire in 2030. In this respect, Germany has asked Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Boeing (NYSE:BA) to bid the F-35 and F/A-18 jets, respectively. While both jets are worthy candidates, the F-35 is a clear winner when compared. This begs the question, can Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet outbid the Lockheed Martin F-35? Probably not.

The F/A-18 is a fourth-generation jet, designed at a time when the U.S. commanded complete air superiority in any conflict. The jet is easy to operate and quick to equip. For example, it can pick up bombs and missiles from an aircraft carrier, and deliver them to a target, with fast turnaround times. That said, the F/A-18 is not a stealth aircraft. It is easily detectable on a radar, and for that reason, is relatively easy to track and target.

On the other hand, the F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter, designed with the sole purpose of combating advanced 21st century enemies capable of superior air defenses. For this reason, the F-35 is a stealth capable fighter. The jet’s radar absorbing skin and configuration make it invisible to the radar. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped to take on opponents in the information age. One of its most important attributes is its ability to collect, process, and disseminate information with assets across the battlefield. Additionally, it has the capability to perform the tasks of multiple legacy carriers combined. For example, it is equipped to provide close air support, vertical take-off and landing, engage in electronic warfare, surface-to-air missile suppression, and much more. In this respect, an alternative to buying the F-35, is to buy and maintain multiple legacy planes capable of each of these tasks.

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The only thing that might work out in the F/A-18’s favor is its price tag. While the ballpark price for a new Lockheed F-35A conventional take-off-and-landing warbird comes in around $95 million, Boeing’s most advanced version of the F/A-18, the “Advanced Super Hornet,” would cost only about $79 million per unit – about 17% cheaper than Lockheed’s F-35.

All in all, it appears as though Germany may decide to go the Lockheed way. That said, both American made jets face competition from the European Eurofighter Typhoon, which is already flying in the German Airforce. However, this aircraft is also a fourth generation jet that may not be what Germany is looking for at the moment. We hope to gain more clarity on this in the coming weeks.

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