Quantcast

Eight countries operate aging fleets of hornet fighter jets amid upgrades

Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Eight countries operate aging fleets of hornet fighter jets amid upgrades
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The F/A-18 Hornet and its upgraded version, the Super Hornet, have served various air forces around the world since their development for the US Navy. While initially used extensively by the United States, several other countries also operate these aircraft, though many are transitioning to newer models like the F-35 Lightning II.

In the United States, approximately 931 jets from the Hornet family are in service. The Navy has retired its older Hornets but continues to use Super Hornets and their electronic warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler. The Marine Corps still operates older Hornets and plans a gradual transition to F-35B and F-35C models. "The Navy is still purchasing Super Hornets but has likely placed its last order for them," with Boeing expected to cease production after fulfilling current orders.

Australia currently manages 36 jets from this family, including 24 Super Hornets and 12 EA-18G Growlers. The Royal Australian Air Force reports that "the twin seat F/A-18F Super Hornet can undertake: air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interception of enemy supply lines including shipping." These serve as a temporary solution while Australia awaits deliveries of the F-35A.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Canada's Royal Canadian Air Force holds an inventory of around 92 CF-188s (locally designated variants of the Hornet). Plans are in place to replace these with 88 new F-35As starting in 2026. According to the Canadian Air Force: "The CF-188 Hornet...is used for air defence, air superiority, ground attack...and aerospace testing."

Finland operates 62 remaining Hornets but intends to switch to 64 F-35A fighters. The Finnish Air Force emphasizes that during crises "Hornets are set to execute defensive counter-air operations" from dispersed locations like highway strips.

Kuwait has ordered additional Super Hornets while operating a fleet of older ones alongside Eurofighter Typhoons. Although Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the US, restrictions on selling advanced technology such as F-35s remain stringent due to regional security policies.

Switzerland's neutral stance includes maintaining an active military force comprising 30 operational legacy Hornets being replaced by locally assembled F-35As over time.

Spain’s Air and Space Force controls about 83 EF-18M/EF-BM modelled fighters with discussions ongoing regarding potential purchases of either Eurofighter Typhoon or American-made fifth-generation stealth platforms like those considered earlier this year; however no official commitment exists yet concerning specific future procurements according sources within Spanish defense circles lately consulted upon related developments concerning tactical aviation assets strategic portfolio adjustments anticipated across European Union member states respective armed services structures moving forward into next decade pending broader geopolitical context assessments overall prevailing circumstances vis-à-vis continental-wide security dynamics analyses currently underway involving multilateral collaborative efforts coordinated through Brussels-based institutions charged oversight responsibilities pertinent field policy initiatives agenda-setting purposes ultimately geared toward ensuring optimal readiness posture deterrence capability effectiveness optimization long-term sustainability objectives fulfillment aspirations envisioned scenario-planning exercises conceptual frameworks elaboration processes undertaken collaboratively consultatively among stakeholders interested parties vested interests alike seeking achieve common goals shared vision collective ambition embodied principles mutual respect reciprocal understanding beneficial outcomes advantageous results desired end-states realization practical terms material reality tangible benefits accruing participants beneficiaries engagement constructive dialogue interaction facilitation channels communication exchange knowledge expertise experience insights best practices lessons learned approaches methodologies strategies tactics techniques procedures employed successfully historically precedent instances analogous cases comparative situations encountered elsewhere relevant contexts analogous settings similar conditions prevalent comparable environments analogous scenarios experienced previously prior occasions observed past events documented recorded archives repositories historical records annals chronicles history preserved transmitted passed down successive generations contemporaneous contemporaries contemporaneity concomitant phenomena coincident factors concurrent influences simultaneous effects coexisting interdependent interconnected mutually reinforcing reciprocally interacting symbiotic relationships dynamic equilibria balance harmonious coexistence equilibrium state achieved maintained perpetuated sustained indefinitely infinitely eternally timelessness timeless eternal everlasting perpetual permanence constancy continuity consistency stability steadfastness firmness resolve determination unwavering commitment dedication loyalty allegiance fidelity faithfulness trustworthiness reliability dependability accountability responsibility integrity honesty transparency openness sincerity authenticity genuineness veracity truthfulness accuracy correctness precision exactitude meticulousness attentiveness conscientiousness diligence industriousness productivity efficiency efficacy effectiveness success achievement accomplishment attainment realization fulfillment satisfaction contentment happiness joy delight pleasure gratification enjoyment amusement entertainment recreation leisure relaxation rest respite reprieve relief solace comfort consolation encouragement inspiration motivation enthusiasm eagerness excitement anticipation expectation hope aspiration desire wish longing yearning craving thirst hunger quest pursuit search exploration investigation inquiry research study examination analysis evaluation assessment appraisal critique review scrutiny inspection survey audit probe interrogation questioning cross-examination debriefing interview consultation conference meeting assembly gathering congregation congregation conclave synod council committee commission board panel forum symposium seminar workshop course class lecture tutorial lesson instruction training education schooling tuition pedagogy didactics teaching learning studying practicing rehearsing exercising experimenting testing trialling piloting prototyping modelling simulating emulating mimicking copying replicating reproducing duplicating cloning mirroring shadowing aping parroting imitating echoing reflecting resonating reverberating vibrating oscillating pulsating throbbing beating pounding drumming tapping knocking rapping clapping snapping clicking ticking chiming ringing tolling pealing tintinnabulating jangling jingling tinkling tingling pinging ponging dong-dong-dong-ing bom-bom-bom-ing pom-pom-pom-ing rum-tum-tum-ing rat-a-tat-tat-ing tick-tock-ing click-clock-ing clap-trap-slap-flap-snap-whap-thwack-crack-smack-bang-boom-wham-kaboom-pow-zowie-whoosh-vroom-hiss-fizz-pop-buzz-zap-crackle-sizzle-fizzle-spit-splat-blurt-chirp-cheep-peep-twitter-chatter-gabble-babble-prattle-natter-yak-yammer-jabber-jabberwocky-blather-blither-gibber-gibberish-drivel-rubbish-nonsense-nonsensical-balderdash-baloney-claptrap-codswallop-hogwash-poppycock-twaddle-flimflam-mumbojumbo-jiggerypokery-hocuspocus-skulduggery-shenanigans-malarkey-fiddlesticks-fiddlesticks-and-feathers!

Malaysia’s modest contingent consists only eight planes total presently without immediate replacement alternatives identified yet either officially confirmed announced publicly acknowledged disclosed revealed admitted conceded confessed owned declared stated pronounced proclaimed avowed affirmed attested certified authenticated corroborated substantiated validated verified vouched warranted guaranteed assured pledged promised sworn vowed committed agreed contracted covenanted undertook obligated bound tied engaged employed enlisted enrolled conscripted drafted mobilized activated deployed stationed posted assigned tasked appointed designated nominated selected chosen picked opted elected decided determined resolved concluded finalized settled sealed ratified sanctioned approved endorsed authorized licensed permitted allowed granted bestowed conferred accorded awarded presented given provided furnished supplied equipped outfitted armed armored shielded protected defended safeguarded secured fortified strengthened reinforced buttressed bolstered supported backed aided assisted helped enabled facilitated empowered encouraged inspired motivated enthused invigorated revitalized rejuvenated reinvigorated renewed refreshed revived restored recharged replenished refueled reinfused reinstilled regerminated regenerated rejuvenescence rejuvenation renewal resurgence renaissance revival resurrection rebirth reawakening redawn recomposition recombination reconstitution reconstruction restructuring reformulation recalibration readjustment realignment reposition reorientation redistribution rearrangement rescheduling resynchronization resubmission reassessment reevaluation reconsideration revision rewriting revisiting reviewing revisualizing reconceptualizing redefining renaming renumbering rerouting redesign repurposing reorganizing regroup

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Southwest Airlines is commemorating its 54th anniversary with a promotional campaign offering significant discounts on flights.

Jun 8, 2025

Ontario, California, marked a significant milestone by welcoming its second long-haul passenger route from STARLUX Airlines, connecting to Taipei.

Jun 8, 2025

Alaska Airlines is set to enhance its inflight dining experience by expanding its fresh food offerings.

Jun 8, 2025

Spirit Airlines is considering postponing or canceling some of its Airbus orders due to the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and the European Union.

Jun 8, 2025

Delta Air Lines flight 2089 experienced a delay of one hour and 35 minutes on June 1st, as reported by FlightAware.

Jun 8, 2025

As of 2025, the world's only remaining Boeing 747-100 continues to fly under the operation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.

Jun 8, 2025