Raytheon Navy Contract Strengthens F A 18 Sustainment
The Raytheon Navy contract worth 12,975,258 dollars will support repair work for the U.S. Navy F A 18 aircraft fleet through December 2028, according to a Department of Defense contract announcement.
The award was issued to Raytheon Co. of McKinney, Texas, under a ceiling price not to exceed delivery order tied to a previously awarded basic ordering agreement. The work covers the repair of six weapon repairable assemblies, totaling 87 individual repairs, in support of the F A 18 aircraft system.
The contract was awarded by Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, which manages sustainment and logistics for Navy aviation and maritime systems.
Scope Of The F A 18 Repair Support Contract
Under the delivery order, all work will be performed in McKinney, Texas. The effort focuses on weapon repairable assemblies, critical components that ensure the operational capability of the F A 18 aircraft system.
While the Department of Defense did not specify the exact assemblies involved, weapon repairable assemblies typically include electronic modules, guidance components, and other mission critical subsystems integrated into aircraft weapon systems.
The F A 18 platform, in both its legacy Hornet and Super Hornet variants, remains a core element of U.S. Navy carrier air wings. Sustainment contracts like this Raytheon Navy contract are central to maintaining readiness as the fleet continues operations worldwide.
Work under this award is expected to be completed by December 2028.
Funding And Contract Details
The Navy obligated 9,731,444 dollars in fiscal 2026 working capital funds at the time of award. According to the Department of Defense announcement, those funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
The delivery order does not include an option provision.
The award was issued on a sole source basis pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204 a 1, which permits contracting without full and open competition when only one responsible source is available. One source was solicited, and one offer was received.
Such sole source awards are common in cases where original equipment manufacturers maintain proprietary technical data and repair capabilities tied to specific subsystems.
Role Of Raytheon In Naval Aviation Sustainment
Raytheon, now operating as a major business unit within RTX Corporation, has long supplied advanced avionics, radar systems, precision weapons, and electronic warfare technologies to the U.S. military.
Its McKinney, Texas facility serves as a key hub for missile systems, advanced electronics, and sustainment services. The latest Raytheon Navy contract reinforces the company’s ongoing role in lifecycle support for front line aircraft.
The F A 18 fleet continues to deploy aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, supporting strike missions, air superiority, maritime security, and close air support operations. Sustainment and repair programs are critical as aircraft age and operational tempo remains high.
According to U.S. Navy budget documents, sustainment funding has remained a priority as the service balances procurement of next generation platforms with maintenance of existing systems.
Sustainment As A Strategic Priority
The Raytheon Navy contract reflects a broader trend across the Department of Defense, where sustainment and modernization efforts are receiving increased attention.
The Navy’s aviation enterprise depends on timely repair and refurbishment of weapon system components to reduce downtime and improve mission capable rates. Weapon repairable assemblies often require specialized facilities, certified technicians, and access to proprietary data.
By issuing delivery orders under an established basic ordering agreement, the Navy can streamline contracting timelines while maintaining oversight and cost control.
The 12.9 million dollar award represents a targeted sustainment effort rather than a new production program, but such contracts are essential to fleet readiness.
Industrial Base And Fleet Readiness Impact
Although relatively modest in dollar value compared to major procurement programs, this Raytheon Navy contract contributes to the stability of the defense industrial base.
Repair and overhaul work supports skilled jobs in Texas and ensures that critical expertise remains available within the U.S. industrial ecosystem.
For the Navy, maintaining a reliable sustainment pipeline directly affects carrier air wing readiness. As geopolitical tensions persist in regions such as the Indo Pacific and the Middle East, aircraft availability remains a core operational metric.
The F A 18 continues to operate alongside newer platforms, and sustainment contracts ensure the aircraft can meet mission demands until future systems fully transition into service.
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