One of the main factors which made the Hornet attractive to the Ejercito del AIre was its ability to switch in-flight from air-to-air to air-to-ground missions. The aircraft has indeed proved to be very versatile and is also assigned to undertake the suppression of enemy air defences, reconnaissance and the anti-shipping role. This is an EF-18A, or C.15 to give its official Spanish designation, and is coded in the '12-xx' range which denotes it is assigned to Ala 12 at Torrejon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet - СШАUSA - 1978

A 462 Escuadron F/A-18A taxies out of its hardened aircraft shelter at its home base of Gando Air Base on Gran Canaria. These former US Navy Hornets were acquired to bolster the EF-18 fleet, however as their main role is to provide air defence of the Canary Islands they are not due to be upgraded to the same standard as the rest of the fleet. In the background is a Casa 212 Aviocar on short finals.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: CASA C-212 Aviocar - ИспанияSpain - 1971McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet - СШАUSA - 1978

This Ala 12 EF-18 has received the Mid Life Update, along with the rest of the wing's aircraft. Focus has now switched to Ala 15 with the final aircraft due to be handed back to the Ejercito del Aire on October 31 next year. Modified Hornets have also received a fake canopy painted on the underside of the aircraft to potentially disorientate enemy fighters in close quarters air combat.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet - СШАUSA - 1978

Throughout the Hornet's service life in Spain, the Ejercito del Aire has continued to add new weapons to it arsenal. Work is currently ongoing to integrate the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, which this aircraft is carrying on its wingtip rails, and the Taurus cruise missile (two test examples are visible under the wings) that will give the air force a stand-off air-to-ground attack capability.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet - СШАUSA - 1978

To extend the endurance of its Hornets, the Ejercito del Aire can call on Boeing 707 and KC-130H Hercules air-to-air refuelling tankers. These two EF-18s are from the Ala 15 wing at Zaragoza.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed HC-130 / KC-130 / MC-130 - СШАUSA - 1959McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet - СШАUSA - 1978McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet - СШАUSA - 1979

Out of the order for 72 EF-18s, Spain ordered 12 two-seaters. All of the EF-18Bs, or CE.15s, are to receive the MLU upgrade.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet - СШАUSA - 1979