Canada to operate CF-18s till 2032

At a recent industry day to outline Canada’s plan for a new fighter, industry representatives were told that the CF-18 will continue to operate till 2032.

McDonnell Douglas CF-188A Hornet (CF-18A), Canada - Air Force AN0914155
By John Davies – CYOW Airport Watch [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Ottawa expects the winner to deliver the first aircraft in 2025 and complete the deliveries of 88 jets by 2030.

Canada has been upgrading the CF-18 over the years to keep the jet airborne till 2025. At this juncture, it is unsure if more upgrades need to be done to keep it in service till 2032.