In January last year the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) newly delivered EA-18G Growler was taking part in military exercises when a dramatic mechanical malfunction saw the advanced electronic warfare plane skid across a United States runway before catching fire.

The badly damaged aircraft was eventually 'written off' after what senior defence figures privately described as the "most serious incident of its kind for the RAAF in more than 25 years".

Eighteen months on from the fiery mishap at the Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas, the Defence Department has confirmed it's yet to learn whether compensation will be paid.

"Australia is awaiting the United States Navy (USN) response to a claim seeking damages for the loss of A46-311 [the Growler in question]," the Department said in response to questions asked by Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick.

"An estimated response date will be communicated to Australia once internal USN assessments have been completed," Defence added in a formal answer to questions taken on notice during an April Senate estimates hearing.

In August, the ABC revealed a defence investigation had confirmed a high-pressure compressor in the Growler's engine had broken into three major pieces, with one segment piercing through the bottom of the jet and taking a chunk out of the runway.

Another piece of the compressor went sideways through the second engine causing severe damage, while the third piece went up and destroyed the right-hand tailfin before flying away and landing some distance from the jet.

The ABC understands the compensation claim has been complicated by the fact that the Growler's engine was manufactured by General Electric, but the malfunction is being blamed on a faulty high pressure turbine bladed disk produced by a sub-contractor.

Australia's 11 EA-18G Growlers are operated by No. 6 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley, but it is yet to be revealed whether the aircraft destroyed in the US will be replaced.

"It is extraordinary that 18 months after the incident Defence is still not in a position to decide whether the aircraft will be replaced or provide details to the Senate as to what such a replacement might cost the taxpayer," Senator Patrick told the ABC.

"Indeed, they can't even say when they will be able to say something."

The South Australian crossbencher has demanded the Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Force now step in "to pay personal attention to this issue".

"Enough of this relax and move slowly approach," Senator Patrick said.