The CF-188A Hornet, often referred to as the CF-18, is a Canadian variant of the American F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, adopted by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The CF-188 has seen action in the Persian Gulf, Yugoslavia, NATO peacekeeping missions, and even recently in the Middle East.

The jet is equipped with a 20 mm General Electric M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with semi-armor-piercing high-explosive incendiary rounds and a rate of fire of 6,000 rounds per minute. The cannon can easily penetrate light ground targets, and the radar sight simplifies use against aircraft.

To destroy enemy aircraft, AIM-7P and AIM-9L missiles are mounted on the outer and inner pylons; for strikes against ground targets, the CF-188A can carry free-fall Mk 82, Mk 83 and Mk 84 series bombs (including high-explosive versions of the Snakeye and AIR), as well as unguided Zuni Mk 32 and CRV-7 rockets. High-precision strikes are provided by the laser-guided GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-16 and GBU-24 Paveway III bombs, as well as AGM-65D/G Maverick missiles.

Additionally, external fuel tanks and an AN/AAS-38B targeting and navigation pod with a thermal imaging and laser guidance system can be installed on the aircraft.