The Pentagon’s draft FY2011 defence budget has seen funding for 26 more Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft added.
The 26 aircraft will be in addition to those already on order for the US Navy, and will replace EA-6B Prowlers currently operated by four US Marine Corps expeditionary squadrons in support of joint-force strike aircraft.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the extra aircraft “will help fill an imminent EW shortfall that has been consistently highlighted by the combatant commanders as one of their highest priorities.”