In a significant boost to its air combat readiness, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has announced that the CF-18 Hornet Extension Project (HEP) has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC). This marks the successful delivery of the first six upgraded CF-18 Hornets to 3 Wing Bagotville, a crucial step in a broader five-year effort to modernize the fleet. The milestone, reached in collaboration with the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), highlights the coordinated efforts of international partners and U.S. Navy teams to enhance Canada’s defense capabilities.
The HEP is designed to upgrade 84 CF-18 aircraft in total, ensuring their operational effectiveness as Canada transitions toward adopting the next-generation CF-35A fighters, expected to be fully operational by the early 2030s. The upgrades are split into two phases: HEP 1, which improves interoperability, and HEP 2, which enhances combat capabilities. Of the 84 CF-18s, 36 aircraft will receive the advanced HEP 2 combat enhancements.
Strategic Collaboration
PMA-265’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) team played a pivotal role in sourcing the necessary systems and weapons for the upgrades, meeting the tight deadlines set by the RCAF. The project, involving industry partners, the U.S. Navy, and specialized teams at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, provided essential software, hardware, and weaponry upgrades for the RCAF’s fleet.
PMA-265’s Don Valentine, the F/A-18 Program Manager for Canada and Spain, praised the international collaboration: “Achieving this milestone and ensuring the timely delivery of the first six aircraft required extensive coordination and cooperation among industry partners… PMA-265 has provided the necessary support that has made the RCAF Hornet program an active and significant participant in international operations.”
Enhancing Canada’s Air Defense
The HEP ensures that the CF-18 Hornets remain relevant and capable in modern warfare, providing the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) with advanced tools to protect North America. The program is crucial for maintaining Canadian air defense readiness as the RCAF transitions to the CF-35A in the coming decade.
The CF-18 upgrades include advanced weapons systems such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), new radar capabilities, and improvements to the Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat. These enhancements will allow the Hornets to remain a powerful force in international and domestic operations, bolstering Canada’s role within NORAD and beyond.
Full Operational Capability on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the upgraded fleet is expected by spring 2026, when all 84 aircraft will be fully delivered and integrated. The upgrades will ensure the CF-18s remain interoperable with allied forces until their eventual replacement by the CF-35A.
This partnership between PMA-265 and the RCAF stretches back nearly 45 years, with the F/A-18 platform playing a critical role in Canada’s defense strategy. The current upgrades represent a continued commitment to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of these aircraft in the face of evolving global threats.
The success of the CF-18 Hornet Extension Project solidifies Canada’s preparedness as it looks toward future challenges while maintaining a strong defense posture in the present.
