Spanish F-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jets to Bolster NATO Air Policing in Romania.

On August 6th, 2024, Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base will welcome a new contingent of F-18 Hornet fighter jets from the Spanish Air and Space Force. This deployment is part of NATO’s air policing missions, aimed at strengthening the alliance’s presence in Europe and enhancing security on NATO’s eastern flank.
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 Spanish Air and Space Force F-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jets (Picture source: NATO)

Comprised of eight F-18 Super Hornet aircraft and a total of 150 personnel, including pilots and technical staff, this Spanish contingent will participate in reinforced aerial surveillance missions over the next four months. Working closely with the Romanian Air Force, these operations aim to monitor and protect the airspace while improving interoperability between the allied air forces.

The Romanian Ministry of Defense specified that the aircraft would arrive on Romanian soil at noon. This deployment is part of a series of exercises and tests to certify the aircraft for missions under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). A key stage of this preparation included an aerial test involving a rapid 15-minute takeoff to intercept an Alenia C-27J Spartan simulating a navigation problem.

The Romanian Minister of Defense emphasized the importance of these missions in strengthening the reaction and deterrence capabilities of allied air forces. “These missions not only help secure our airspace but also reinforce our cooperation with our Spanish allies, thereby contributing to regional stability,” he stated.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time Spain has conducted air policing operations in Romania. In April 2024, five Eurofighters from the 14th Wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force were deployed to the same airbase.

This deployment marks a new phase in the ongoing collaboration between the Spanish and Romanian armed forces, highlighting the commitment of NATO member states to maintain a robust and coordinated defensive posture in Eastern Europe.

The F-18 Super Hornet, also known as the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, is a multirole fighter aircraft that excels in various types of missions, including ground attack, air superiority, and reconnaissance. Powered by two General Electric F404-GE-402 engines, the EF-18 can reach a top speed of Mach 1.8, making it highly capable in terms of speed and maneuverability. Its advanced avionics include APG-73 radar systems, which provide exceptional detection and tracking capabilities, allowing the pilot to engage multiple air and ground targets simultaneously.

In addition to its ability to carry a variety of weapons, the F-18 Super Hornet is equipped with nine hardpoints for mounting air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder, as well as laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs for ground attack missions. The Hornet's cockpit features a head-up display (HUD) and fly-by-wire controls, giving the pilot enhanced situational awareness and precise control of the aircraft. These technical capabilities make the F-18 a versatile and powerful asset for any modern air force.