Australian Government has decided to acquire the Growler electronic warfare system for the Super Hornet, at a cost of around $1.5 billion.

In acquiring this capability, Australia will be the only country in the world, other than the United States, operating Growler aircraft.

Growler is an electronic warfare system that gives the Super Hornet the ability to jam the electronics systems of aircraft and landbased radars and communications systems.

Electronic threats are an inherent part of modern combat and Growler will provide options for the Air Force to undertake electronic threat suppression operations in support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations, including land and sea forces. The Growler capability can also undertake intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Australia has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets. The Super Hornet is a highly capable, battleproven, multi-role combat aircraft currently in service with the US Navy.

The Growler is a specialised version of the Super Hornet and is also currently in service with the United States Navy. The Growler electronic warfare aircraft was used very effectively by the United States Navy during air operations in Libya last year.