The CF-18 Hornet is among the most modern fighter jets,
providing Canada with air defense, air superiority, training and
tactical support. It is used on missions with the North American
Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), and the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO). Between 1982 and 1988, Canada obtained 118 CF-18 Hornets.
These aircraft are based at No. 3 Wing in Bagotville, Quebec,
and at No. 4 Wing in Cold Lake, Alberta.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has used CF-18s in all of
their major missions. Twenty-four RCAF Hornets participated in
operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, flying 5,700 hours in
about 2,700 patrol missions protecting Canadian naval forces.
From March to June 1999, Canadians provided 18 CF-18 Hornets
to Task Force Aviano, working in the former Yugoslavia to force
the government of Slobodan Milosevic to withdraw its armed
forces from Kosovo. The Canadians flew 678 missions using
air-to-ground and air-to-air precision guided munitions, as well
as unguided "iron bombs." This was the first time a conflict was
won with the use of air power alone.
The CF-18 is used regularly since the terrorist attacks of 11
September 2001 defending Canadian air space from any similar
assaults.
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