The next generation Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) is set to achieve early operational capability with the F/A-18E/F by the end of the month, Naval News learned from NAVAIR, bringing new capabilities to U.S. Naval Air Forces.

The F/A-18 Service Life Modification program has received its second contract to induct 12 jets. The program extends the life of existing Super Hornets from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. In 2023 the program will begin converting the jets into the new Block III configuration.

Boeing received a whopping $4 Billion U.S. Navy contract for multi-year procurement of 78 F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet strike fighters (61 single-seat E and 17 two-seat F), delivered through 2024.