Significant Accomplishment For RCAF And PMA-265 Collaboration

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) announced that the CF-18 Hornet Extension Project (HEP) has achieved initial Operational Capability (IOC).

This is a significant milestone in the 5-year partnership with the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265).

This milestone is signified by the delivery of the first six HEP2 upgraded fighter jets to 3 Wing Bagotville, Canada. Ultimately, 84 aircraft will be upgraded to HEP1 interoperability and 36 aircraft with HEP2 combat capability upgrades.

The extension project enhances the Hornet with advanced weapons and avionics to ensure they remain deployable and interoperable in their support role in the NORAD mission. It is important for maintaining RACF readiness as it transitions to the next-gen CF-35A which are expected to be operational by the early 2030s.

The RCAF anticipates that all 84 CF-18s will be upgraded, delivered, and operational.

Don Valentine, PMA-265 Canadian and Spanish F/A-18 Program Manager said, “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, including the Air Weapons Laboratory and radar teams at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

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.”

FMI:  www.navair.navy.mil/news/