Canada Defence Journal

Since its introduction in the early 1980s, the McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet, commonly known as the CF-18, has been the backbone of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) fighter fleet. Adapted from the American F/A-18 Hornet, the CF-188 has proven itself to be a capable, adaptable, and reliable multi-role fighter across a range of missions—from homeland defence to international coalition operations.

Origins and Acquisition

The CF-18 emerged from the New Fighter Aircraft (NFA) Program, which sought to replace a trio of aging Canadian aircraft: the CF-104 Starfighter, CF-101 Voodoo, and CF-116 Freedom Fighter. In 1980, Canada selected the F/A-18 as the winner of the NFA competition, and deliveries began in 1982.

In total, 138 aircraft were delivered—98 single-seat CF-18A variants and 40 dual-seat CF-18B variants. Although originally designed for carrier operations, many of the aircraft’s naval features—including the arrestor hook, folding wings, and reinforced landing gear—were retained in the Canadian version.

Operational Service

The CF-18 has seen extensive use both at home and abroad. Domestically, it plays a critical role in NORAD operations, safeguarding North American airspace. Internationally, it has served in key deployments:

• 1991 Gulf War
• 1999 Kosovo War
• 2011 Libya (Operation MOBILE)
• Operation IMPACT as part of the international campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria

These deployments have demonstrated the CF-18’s versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, as well as its interoperability with allied forces.

Fleet Status and Upgrades

As of 2025, Canada has maintained a core operational fleet of 85 CF-18s, with 72 CF-18A and 31 CF-18B variants still in inventory. This includes 18 additional aircraft (12 A-models and 6 B-models) purchased from Australia, of which 7 are currently operational. These acquisitions were intended to bolster fleet availability while the Future Fighter Capability Project progresses.

To maintain the platform’s combat effectiveness, the Incremental Modernization Project (IMP) was launched in 2001. Managed by Boeing and L-3 Communications, the IMP upgraded 80 aircraft with modern avionics, communication systems, and weapons integration—bringing them closer in capability to the F/A-18C/D standard. These upgrades were projected to extend operational viability through 2020, but due to delays in the replacement program, CF-18s remain essential to RCAF operations today.

Unique Canadian Features

Though visually similar to its U.S. counterpart, the CF-18 features several distinct modifications:

• A night identification spotlight mounted on the port-side gun loading door—used to visually identify aircraft in low-light conditions.
• A false canopy painted on the underside of the fuselage to confuse enemy pilots during air combat maneuvers.

These subtle changes reflect Canada’s unique operational requirements and tactical considerations.

Technical Specifications

• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F404-GE-400 afterburning turbofans
• Max Speed: Mach 1.8
• Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft
• Combat Radius: 540 km (hi-lo-lo-hi)
• Armament:
  • 1 × 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon
  • 9 external hardpoints for air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
  • Compatible with AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick, GBU-series bombs, JDAM, JSOW, and CRV7 rockets

The Road Ahead: Transition to the F-35

After more than two decades of deliberation, Canada has committed to replacing the CF-18 with the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. Deliveries are expected to begin in the late 2020s, marking a significant leap in stealth, sensors, and networked warfare capabilities for the RCAF.

Until the full transition is complete, the CF-18 will continue to fulfill critical roles in Canada’s defence posture, maintaining its place as a reliable and combat-proven platform.