U.S. Navy Orders DTP-N Kits From Boeing to Turn Older F/A-18 Super Hornets Into Block III Fighters

The US Navy awarded Boeing a $23.8 million contract modification for 64 Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked A-Kits and 32 B-Kits supporting F/A-18 Super Hornet service-life modifications. Announced on October 30, 2026, the order also covers cybersecurity and obsolescence support, with work in Melbourne, Florida, and St Louis, Missouri, due to finish in January 2028. DTP-N provides processing for Block III sensor fusion and networking, while A-Kits provide installation provisions and B-Kits contain mission hardware. The wider modification programme upgrades Block II aircraft to Block III and extends airframe service life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours.