The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its CF-18 Hornet Extension Project (HEP), marking a significant step forward in the modernization of the Canadian fighter fleet. The announcement comes as the first six HEP2-upgraded CF-18 Hornets were delivered to 3 Wing Bagotville in Quebec, part of a five-year collaboration with the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265). The project aims to upgrade a total of 84 aircraft by 2026, with 36 of them receiving enhanced combat capabilities under HEP2.
This effort ensures that the CF-18s remain interoperable and effective in their mission, particularly in support of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in safeguarding North American airspace. The upgrades include advanced avionics and weapons systems that allow the aircraft to continue to perform in international operations and remain deployable until Canada fully transitions to the next-generation CF-35A fighters in the early 2030s.
Key Milestone for RCAF and International Collaboration
The CF-18 Hornet Extension Project, which began several years ago, has involved significant international collaboration. PMA-265, along with its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) team, played a critical role in procuring the necessary systems and weapons to meet the RCAF’s tight delivery schedules. The upgrades are being rolled out in two phases: HEP1 focuses on interoperability enhancements for all 84 aircraft, while HEP2 delivers combat capability upgrades for 36 of them.
“Achieving this milestone and ensuring the timely delivery of the first six aircraft required extensive coordination and cooperation among industry partners, PMA-265, and the Navy F/A-18 enterprise,” said Don Valentine, Canadian and Spanish F/A-18 Program Manager for PMA-265. “By executing procurement of weapons, hardware, and software products to meet RCAF’s milestones, PMA-265 has provided the necessary support that has made the RCAF Hornet program an active and significant participant in international operations.”
Full Operational Capability Expected by 2026
The project’s full operational capability is scheduled for spring 2026, at which point all 84 CF-18s will be delivered and fully upgraded. This will ensure that the RCAF can maintain its readiness and continue its essential role in defending North American airspace until the CF-35A is ready for full deployment.
The upgrades to the CF-18s, which have been in service with the RCAF since the early 1980s, are a critical step in extending the service life of the aircraft. In addition to advanced avionics, the project also involves the integration of modern weapons systems such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and improvements to the aircraft’s radar and ejection seat systems. These upgrades ensure that the CF-18 remains a capable platform in the increasingly complex environment of modern air combat.
A 45-Year Partnership
PMA-265 has supported the RCAF for nearly 45 years, beginning with the introduction of the CF-18 Hornet in 1980. Over the years, the partnership has expanded to include numerous upgrades to the aircraft and its weapons systems. These upgrades have ensured the CF-18’s continued relevance in both national defense and international operations.
Through U.S. Navy-developed engineering change proposals, PMA-265 has provided ongoing support, from integrating new weapons like the JDAM to procuring and incorporating the Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat. These upgrades have been essential to the RCAF’s ability to maintain a modern and capable fleet of fighter aircraft.
The partnership with PMA-265 also reflects Canada’s commitment to working with international partners to maintain its defense capabilities. In addition to Canada, PMA-265 supports F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft used by several other nations, including Australia, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, and Switzerland.
With the CF-18 Hornet Extension Project now reaching IOC, the RCAF is poised to continue its mission to protect Canadian airspace and contribute to international operations for years to come. The ongoing collaboration between the RCAF and PMA-265 ensures that these aircraft remain at the forefront of Canada’s defense strategy as the transition to the next-generation CF-35A looms on the horizon.