Key Points and Summary – Canada’s CF-18 Hornet, a 1980s-era jet, is “obsolete,” “insufficient” for a modern NATO conflict, and “dangerous” to its own pilots.
-Despite a 9-year upgrade program to fix avionics and “not interoperable” NATO communication systems, the non-stealthy jet remains a liability.
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. perform an aerial refueling mission with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron from March ARB, Calif., May 14, 2013 off the coast of Northwest Florida. The 33rd Fighter Wing is a joint graduate flying and maintenance training wing that trains Air Force, Marine, Navy and international partner operators and maintainers of the F-35 Lightning II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen/Released)
-The most “alarming” issue is its safety record: 19 CF-18s have been lost and 10 pilots have been killed in peacetime accidents.
-The author urges the Canadian government to stop “procrastinating” on a replacement, as the current fleet is “too old to be safe.”
It Is Time to Replace the Canadian CF-18 Fighter Jet
While the United States waits for Canada to decide whether it will buy F-35s, the Canadians depend on the aging CF-18 (officially the CF-188) Hornet fighter jet.
The Canadian Air Force could definitely use something new; if not the F-35, then the JAS 39 Gripen, or the Eurofighter Typhoon are viable alternatives.
A Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen climbs during the 2019 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 20, 2019. This year, RIAT commemorated the 70th anniversary of NATO and highlighted the United States’ enduring commitment to its European allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Aaron Thomasson)
The CF-18 is becoming obsolete, and it is challenging to meet the country’s military needs with such an outdated jet.
The CF-18 is well-suited for patrolling Canada’s extensive coastline—the largest in the world. It is not stealth, which is a significant problem as the 2030s approach and other countries opt for fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.
Eurofighter Typhoon Powering Through. Image Credit: Industry Handout.
Canada is a member of NATO, and there is always a chance that Russia could invade an alliance country.
Canada would need to provide some type of help to Vladimir Putin’s target, which could include fighter jet support.
The CF-18 would be insufficient in this type of rapid and emergency deployment.
What Is Great About the CF-18?
The CF-18 is a multi-role aircraft that can engage in dogfights and deliver ground strikes. The fighter has excellent speed, with a top velocity of Mach 1.8. It is the Canadian version of the American F/A-18 Hornet, a combat-proven platform that has served the US Navy well for years.
The CF-18 has been optimized for flight in cold weather, which is a significant advantage. Obviously, the Great White North has an inclement climate, especially in the Arctic zone.
Indeed, Canada needs a long-range fighter that can patrol the Arctic, as countries like Russia and China are vying for greater control of that strategic region. The CF-18 has a decent range of 2,300 miles.
Its Combat History Is Excellent
The broadcaster CBC has an excellent profile on the Canadian Hornet. The CF-18 dates back to 1980 when it was first commissioned.
That gives you an idea of its age. The CF-18 was manufactured until 1988. The Canadian Hornet did have some combat service in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and during the NATO operation to assist Kosovo against Serbia in 1999, completing 558 bombing sorties.
The CF-18s flew more than 5,700 hours and 56 ground strike missions while deployed to Qatar in the First Gulf War. CF-18s were also deployed during the NATO operation against Libya in 2011. The CF-18s flew missions against ISIS from 2014 to 2016.
But There Were Issues While Serving With NATO
Once an after-action report was reviewed following these deployments, the Canadians realized that the CF-18 was not interoperable with newer aircraft and that the Hornet did not communicate well with NATO fighter jets. The avionics were also not functioning properly, and the weapons needed to be upgraded.
Canada requested that Boeing work on an updated version of the CF-18. This was a nine-year project that simply took too long to modernize the jet.
“Phase 1, completed in 2006, included an upgrade of the plane’s avionics, radio and radar and the addition of improved weaponry. Phase 2, completed in 2010, featured the installation of the Link 16 tactical data exchange system, allowing for better communication with NATO allies, as well as the installation of a new weapons-targeting system and a flight data recorder,” according to CBC.
The good news was that the CF-18 was comparable to the F/A-18 Hornet’s capabilities.
The payload and munitions are similar to the American model. Canada has around 77 CF-18s based in Quebec and Alberta. There are three squadrons.
A North American Stalwart Defender
Since Canada is part of NORAD, the CF-18 plays a significant role in air policing for North America. They can perform this defensive mission fairly well, but it is essential to acquire a new, more modern airplane with 4.5-generation or fifth-generation capabilities.
While the CF-18 has enjoyed a sterling combat record, it has been involved in multiple crashes. Ten CF-18 pilots have been killed during these mishaps, and 19 CF-18s were lost to various accidents over the decades.
This is probably the most alarming statistic. If pilots are dying in peacetime, it’s time to get a new fighter jet. These airframes are just too old to be safe.
Let’s Get This Old Warbird Replaced
The Canadian reticence to pick a new fighter is problematic.
The government needs to make a decision and quit procrastinating. Why would the Air Force continue to fly a jet that is so dangerous? I appreciate how experienced and battle-tested this airplane is.
Its combat service is admirable, but militaries should not endanger personnel on platforms they know are outdated.
The CF-18 has much to be proud of. Combat deployments are complex, and this Canadian Hornet has more than proved its worth. Let’s see what Canada decides on the replacement. There are some quality airplanes out there.
The Canadian Air Force will likely need to update its facilities, hangars, and other infrastructure at air bases to prepare for modern aircraft. Plus, there is the training required to fly the new models.
The Canadian military has made significant contributions in other combat missions.
Canada must prepare for updated enemy air defenses and improved radars. The air force deserves the best airplane on the market at a reasonable price that can serve into the 2040s.
Protecting the homeland is important, but the nation must realize it could be drawn into a conflict in Europe, and the CF-18’s incredible combat streak could come to an end.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
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Dave
November 8, 2025 at 10:12 am
The author uses out of date information, inaccurate numbers and lacks a basic understanding of fighter aviation.
One need only look at the rapid production rate of articles to see that they must be poorly researched.
It is irresponsible to publish this level of tripe from someone cited as a PhD.
Bruce
November 8, 2025 at 7:03 pm
Another booksmart wannabe. Has no idea of real life results
Brent
November 8, 2025 at 8:13 pm
These articles are nothing but US industrial propaganda fear monger trying to justify the purchase of the f35.
Warren msaon
November 8, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Id question with the irrational impulsive decision making of the whitehousits allies even like Canada, greenland, mexico, why would Canada want anything to do with Us warplanes?
David C
November 9, 2025 at 12:35 am
This is the practice of the liberal government
They always are lethargic in doing what is right before things need doing and it costs us dearly in the long run
They are only interested in themselves being in power,
Consider the submarines as another useless mess and what about very poor control over the artic
Stephan Larose
November 9, 2025 at 8:48 pm
F35 isn’t stealth. It can be seen readily by Chinese and Russian radars. They are low-observable in some frequencies, not all. Missiles can be guided to it in other frequencies, then switch to infrared or electro-optical. Canada should simply build its own.
Dallas
November 10, 2025 at 12:28 am
16 units f35s are being delivered right now, training should be ongoing at Luke air force base. The question now, SAAB is willing to move manufacturing of the Griphon to Canada, which would be a no brainer, only that GE makes the engines, what if USA won’t release the engines, what would the fall out of that be, should Canada be patriotic or the good neighbour, cause trump won’t be there for long.