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Navy Initiated Redesign of F/A-18 Processor

The service has moved to replace obsolete components in the AN/AYK-22 processor used on F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Semiconductors

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The U.S. Navy has initiated a contract plan to redesign the AN/AYK-22 stores management processor for its aging F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft fleet. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Navy announced a plan to award Boeing a contract to redesign the AN/AYK-22 Stores Management Processor. The decision follows the obsolescence of key internal components necessary to manage weapons systems on F/A-18 and EA-18G fighter jets.

Why it matters

Replacing the processor ensures the continued operational viability of the Super Hornet fleet as the Navy extends airframe service life. This effort coincides with the scheduled wind-down of new production for the aircraft.

The AN/AYK-22 Stores Management Processor, which controls external weapons and sensor stores, requires a redesign because its original components are no longer available from suppliers. This upgrade supports the ongoing Service Life Modification program intended to extend airframe life to 10,000 flight hours.

The players

Boeing

An aerospace and defense firm that produces the F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft and manages associated weapon system maintenance.

U.S. Navy

The maritime branch of the United States Armed Forces currently managing the transition of the Super Hornet fleet through life-extension programs.

The details

The AN/AYK-22 processor functions as the central controller for weapons and external stores on the Navy's F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft. Because critical components have reached their end-of-life, the Navy is seeking to modernize the hardware architecture. The service has issued a sources-sought request to determine if firms other than Boeing possess the capability to perform this engineering work.

Timeline

  1. • In 2024, the Navy ordered 17 Super Hornet jets.

  2. • In September 2026, the Navy paid $16.7 million for production shutdown planning.

  3. • On October 9, 2026, the Navy issued a notice for the processor redesign contract.

  4. • On October 28, 2026, the deadline for firms to submit capability statements occurs.

  5. • In 2027, Boeing is scheduled to deliver its final new Super Hornet aircraft.

The Tech Race

This redesign is a critical dependency for the Service Life Modification program, which aims to extend the airframe life of the F/A-18 fleet to 10,000 flight hours. The initiative reflects the broader challenge of maintaining legacy hardware systems as the primary manufacturer moves toward the 2027 production conclusion.

The immediate impact is limited to the defense industry and existing F/A-18 flight operations, with no direct changes for the civilian public. Boeing and potential competing contractors must submit formal capability statements by October 28, 2026, to participate in the project.

The takeaway

The Navy must modernize legacy weapon controllers to ensure fighter aircraft remain viable through the mid-2030s. Interested parties should monitor the October 28, 2026, deadline for capability submissions to see if Boeing faces competition for the redesign contract.

Further reading

For more on how aging platforms are being modernized, visit the Semiconductors section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Defence Blog.

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Should the military prioritize open competition when replacing obsolete parts for existing defense aircraft?