Every Nation BEGS For the NEW F18 Super Hornet NOW! Here's Why

For decades, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been a staple in the skies for the air defense forces of the United States and some of its allies.
But, after serving those nations brilliantly for all those years, the wear-and-tear accumulated during its operation has meant that some countries have been contemplating replacing their fleet.
Recent upgrades to the F/A-18s are turning the tide, promising significant improvements in performance and lifespan. Given escalating geopolitical tensions, nations may clamour for the new F18 Super Hornet. Here's why.

[@devildawgpryde4764]

I've seen both the Hornet and the Tomcat in action over the skies of Kuwait in 1990-91 during Desert Storm. I was an infantry mortarman on the frontlines with the 2nd MarDiv.

[@thku4grace]

The only thing I fear with the China J-20 is for the life of the pilot.

[@dancotterman1267]

The F-18 is a very good 4th plus gen plane. Proven over many thousands of actual flight hours snd combat. The F-35 has so many new features and capabilities though that it's more of the future. It depends on if you can afford to wait or need protection now. A combination is probably the best action.

[@TheKCaryer]

USN making a final super bug buy in the FY24 appropriation bill stretching production out to 2027

[@FNHaole]

Composites in the Super Hornet have actually reduced their readiness rate when held against the older Hornet’s record. These newer components have had issues which appeared far earlier than anticipated.

[@scottlink183]

Wouldn’t this be a good time to put the new engines into the F-35’s sitting around at the Lockheed facilities waiting the the software issues to be fixed?

[@justinegorski2703]

My husband was finishing up his navy enlistment when the F-18 was 1st flown onto the USS Nimitz.

[@OlsenOthalaRanch]

F/A18 never had the range of the F14 tomcat. They gave up range F/A18 multi role they wanted.

[@robf228]

Dumb question. Can the radar see behind, too?

[@user-pp1ni2jy3f]

The F-18 is nice, but the F-14 was a legend, why they didn't get super tomcat 21 is beyond me.

[@Ariel-om5fh]

Boeing wants some money ...

[@AnthonyTobyEllenor-pi4jq]

Looks a better bet than the F35.

[@snakeriverscotto]

It looks “better” to adversarial radar as well

[@virgilius7036]

But it is far from being as effective, it is completely outdated!

[@joesutherland225]

Dasault is better but production numbers might be difficult

[@cc-qk8qh]

for decades the best fighter

[@pahtar7189]

Operators of the Hornet: Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, and US Marine Corps Operators of the Super Hornet: Australia and US Navy Future operator of the Super Hornet: Kuwait Proposed operator of the Super Hornet: Finland Operators of the Growler: Australia and US Navy Proposed operators of the Growler: Finland, Japan

[@dereksollows9783]

That does not sound like a major market penetration. In both the USN and the RAAF - the delays in F-35 development was a deciding factor in acquisition of the Super Hornet. They would not have been acquired if the F-35's had been available.

[@virgilius7036]

But everyone is decommissioning it in exchange for the F35.

[@latiffrahman1953]

Russian fighters and Chinese made military planes are catching up and very reliable