The CF-188 Hornet, commonly called the CF-18, is a multi-role fighter aircraft used by the RCAF. It is used for air defence, air superiority, ground attack, tactical support, training, aerobatic demonstration, and aerospace testing and evaluation.
Known for its agility, speed, and advanced avionics, it has served in numerous operations, including NORAD, NATO missions, and international peacekeeping efforts.
The CF-18 Hornet’s versatility allows it to perform various missions, from air superiority and ground attack to reconnaissance and air defence. Its cutting-edge technology and impressive combat capabilities make it a cornerstone of Canada’s aerial defence.c
The Hornet is a fast, light and manoeuvrable aircraft. Because of its power, speed and target-tracking capabilities, it has had great success in many military operations in Canada and around the world.
As we move towards a new fleet, the government is ensuring that our Air Force has the aircraft needed to protect Canada in the interim. Canada has procured Australian F-18s to supplement the existing fleet of CF-18 aircraft, which are also being upgraded under the Hornet Extension Project.
CF-188 – Hornet Extension Project
Project summary
Canada requires fighter aircraft to contribute to the safety and security of Canadians and protect the sovereignty of one of the largest expanses of airspace in the world.
The Hornet Extension Project will help ensure that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Hornet fighter fleet is able to meet operational commitments, including to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), until 2032, when the permanent fleet of F-35s is expected to be fully operational.
Implementation
- Project approval: May 15, 2020
- Amended project approval: December 9, 2021
- Initial operational capability: December 2023
- Full operational capability: June 2025
Close-out: December 2026
Technical information
The Hornet Extension Project was approved in two phases that are being implemented in parallel.
- Phase 1 is delivering enhancements for up to 88 CF-18 aircraft, mainly focused on addressing evolving civilian air traffic management regulations and meeting allied military interoperability requirements.
- Phase 2 is focused on additional combat capability upgrades for 36 CF-18 aircraft, to ensure that sufficient, operationally relevant, mission-ready CF-18 fighters are available to meet air power capability requirements in the current battle space until the F-35 reaches its full operational capability.
Project costs
The acquisition cost, including project management costs, infrastructure, contracts and contingency is estimated at $1.3 billion.
