In 1988, regional instability prompted Kuwait to order 40 McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) Hornets—32
single-seat F/A-18Cs and 8 two-seat F/A-18Ds—to replace its aging A-4 Skyhawks and Mirage F1s.
Deliveries occurred between 1992 and 1993 following the Gulf War.
Based primarily at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base with the 9th and 25th Squadrons, these Legacy Hornets served
as the backbone of Kuwaiti air defense for over three decades.
The fleet drew global attention during U.S.-led operations against Iran when a Kuwaiti Hornet mistakenly shot
down three USAF F-15E Strike Eagles in a chaotic, multi-threat airspace. While all six American aircrew
successfully ejected and survived, it stands as one of the most significant aerial friendly fire incidents since
World War II.
As Kuwait prepares to fully retire the fleet, several nations—most notably Malaysia—have expressed strong
interest in acquiring the remaining airframes.
Weapons not included
In 1988, regional instability prompted Kuwait to order 40 McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) Hornets—32
single-seat F/A-18Cs and 8 two-seat F/A-18Ds—to replace its aging A-4 Skyhawks and Mirage F1s.
Deliveries occurred between 1992 and 1993 following the Gulf War.
Based primarily at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base with the 9th and 25th Squadrons, these Legacy Hornets served
as the backbone of Kuwaiti air defense for over three decades.
The fleet drew global attention during U.S.-led operations against Iran when a Kuwaiti Hornet mistakenly shot
down three USAF F-15E Strike Eagles in a chaotic, multi-threat airspace. While all six American aircrew
successfully ejected and survived, it stands as one of the most significant aerial friendly fire incidents since
World War II.
As Kuwait prepares to fully retire the fleet, several nations—most notably Malaysia—have expressed strong
interest in acquiring the remaining airframes.
Weapons not included