Born from a near-scrap prototype to becoming the aviation spine of the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 Hornet has served over four decades as a cornerstone of American naval aviation. The remarkable journey of this combat-proven aircraft underscores its vital role in maintaining naval supremacy and its anticipated operational presence into the 2040s.
The F/A-18 Hornet’s origin lies with the YF-17 prototype, which was initially passed over by the Air Force but caught the interest of the Navy due to its speed, advanced technology, and agility.
Northrop, in partnership with McDonnell Douglas, repurposed the YF-17 into the twin-engine, carrier-capable jet known today as the F/A-18 Hornet.
“The selection of the F/A-18 Hornet was the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process, underscoring its superior design, versatility, and adaptability,” highlighted by the development journey that transformed the YF-17 Cobra into the multifaceted F-18.
One of the Hornet’s most praised attributes is its maintenance profile. It boasts a mean time between failures three times longer than any other strike aircraft in the Navy’s arsenal.
These low maintenance needs, combined with its ability to seamlessly switch between attack or fighter modes, have cemented the Hornet’s reputation for reliability and flexibility.
The Hornet has repeatedly proven its combat effectiveness, starting with operations against Libyan air defenses and continuing through various conflicts.
Its enhanced variant, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, has taken on a significant role in today’s naval operations, with notable action against Iranian-backed Houthis in the Middle East.
On January 9, the power of the Super Hornet was on full display as part of a combined effort that “shot down eighteen OWA UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea,” according to a CENTCOM statement.
These actions safeguarded dozens of merchant vessels transiting international shipping lanes, highlighting the Super Hornet’s continued strategic importance.
The Super Hornet’s success has led to the U.S. Navy’s recent $1.3 billion contract with Boeing for 17 Block III variants, ensuring that this aircraft remains a pillar of the carrier air wing.
The contract also secures a technical data package essential for the platform’s future sustainability.
As Rear Admiral John Lemmon notes, “The Super Hornet remains a predominant aircraft in the carrier air wing and will continue to provide significant combat capability into the 2040s.”
Though the F/A-18 has retired from some services, it remains active with the Marine Corps and several international forces, demonstrating its enduring value.
Delivery of the aircraft is expected in winter 2026, with final delivery no later than spring 2027, the Navy said.
Relevant articles:
– The F/A-18 Hornet Is the ‘Aviation Spine’ of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers, The National Interest
– The F/A-18 Hornet Is One Remarkable Aircraft Carrier Fighter Jet, The National Interest
– U.S. Navy Signs Deal with Boeing for 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets, FLYING Magazine