The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a versatile, all-weather supersonic, twin-engine fighter jet capable of operating from aircraft carriers. It was designed as a multirole combat aircraft, capable of both fighter and attack missions, which is why it carries the F/A (Fighter/Attack) designation. Developed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop in the 1970s, the F/A-18 is based on the YF-17 prototype and was intended for use by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. It has also been used by the air forces of various other nations, and was previously the aircraft of choice for the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team.

The F/A-18 was designed with an emphasis on versatility, incorporating advanced avionics, user-friendly cockpit displays, and excellent aerodynamic features. These design elements allow the aircraft to perform a wide range of missions, including fighter escort, fleet defense, air interdiction, close air support, suppression of enemy defenses, and aerial reconnaissance. Its reliability and adaptability have made it a crucial asset for the U.S. Navy, especially in carrier-based operations.

Entering service in 1983, the F/A-18 saw its first combat in 1986 during the U.S. bombing of Libya, and it went on to play significant roles in the Gulf War in 1991 and the Iraq War in 2003. The Hornet served as the foundation for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a larger, updated version that replaced both the older F/A-18 Hornet and the F-14 Tomcat in the U.S. Navy.