The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is an American carrier-based fighter jet. In the late 1970s, the Royal Canadian Air Force launched the New Fighter Aircraft program to replace its aging CF-101 Voodoo, CF-104 Starfighter, and CF-116 Freedom Fighter. Among the candidates considered were the Tornado, the Mirage F.1, and the American F-14, F-15, F-16, and F-18. Although the F-14 was considered the most capable option, it was ruled out due to its high price and political factors, leading to the adoption of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet. The Hornet proved optimal for Canadian conditions with its two reliable engines, rugged landing gear for operation at austere airfields, and sufficient range to cover vast territories.

In 1980, Canada ordered 98 single-seat CF-188As and 40 two-seat CF-188Bs. The aircraft received some modifications, including an altered lighting system and modernized avionics. The CF-188’s combat debut took place during the Persian Gulf War. Subsequently, they were used in NATO operations in the Balkans, Libya, Iraq, and Syria.

The Canadian CF-188A was introduced in Update 2.49 "Tusk Force", and is located in the British aviation research tree. Similar to the American Hornet, the Canadian fighter is equally effective in air and mixed battles due to its extensive range of weaponry and excellent flight characteristics. Pilots have access to familiar AIM-7P SARH air-to-air missiles, AIM-9L IR missiles, Paveway guided bombs, and two variants of the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles. Disadvantages include the lack of an HMD and advanced ARH air-to-air missiles.