The combat-proven CF-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multi-mission, tactical aircraft. It converts between air-to-air fighter missions and air-to-ground strike missions while on the same sortie with the flick of a switch. The CF-18 fulfills the following types of assignment: fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close air support, and day and night strike missions. Adapted from the F/A-18, the Canadian version of the jet features: a searchlight beneath the fuselage for nighttime visual identifications survival equipment adapted to the Canadian environment various cockpit layout modifications

The F/A-18 Hornet has been deployed by the armed services of the following nations: United States (Navy and Marines), Canada, Australia, Spain, Kuwait, Finland, Switzerland, and Malaysia.

Program Milestones:

• Canadian government places first order for aircraft in 1980, becoming the first international customer for the aircraft.
• First aircraft deliveries in 1982, completed in 1988.
• Phase I of CF-18 modernization, completed in August 2006, upgraded the Canadian Hornet fleet’s avionics, radio and weapons capabilities.
• Boeing delivered the first Phase II aircraft to Canada in 2007.  Phase II of the CF-18 modernization program adds a data link system, a helmet-mounted sight system, new color cockpit displays and a new chaff-and-flare-dispensing electronic warfare system to 79 CF-18 Hornets. The program is expected to be completed in March 2010.