The F/A‑18D Hornet is a two-seat multirole fighter introduced into service in the late 1980s as a further development of the F/A‑18C. The addition of a second crew member improved the effectiveness of precision-guided weapons employment and allowed the aircraft to successfully perform a wide range of strike missions within the United States Marine Corps.

The F/A‑18D is equipped with an internal 20 mm cannon and a wide selection of weapons for engaging air, ground, and naval targets. For air combat, the aircraft can carry up to six AIM‑120B missiles, as well as AIM‑9M Sidewinder and AIM‑7P missiles.

or strike missions, the aircraft can employ Mk.80-series bombs, JDAM and JDAM‑ER guided munitions, as well as Paveway laser-guided bombs. The F/A‑18D is also capable of carrying AGM‑65 Maverick missiles, AGM‑88 anti-radiation missiles, and AGM‑84 anti-ship missiles. A LITENING II targeting pod, external fuel tanks, and modern countermeasure systems further enhance its combat effectiveness.