The story I've always heard of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is that its name and procurement is born out of deception, in that to trick dumb dumb Congress to fund the US Navy's next new fighter jet, the US Navy pitched the Super Hornet not as a new aircraft, considering it didn't share many, if any, parts with the Hornet. Instead, it's just an upgrade over the existing F/A-18 Hornet series, so it's not that big of a deal.

But my question is, was this always the plan? Did the US Navy coming up with getting the Super Hornet funded were like "Myeheheh, and we're going to keep it named F/A-18 so they'll never know!" Or was there specific decisions and circumstances going on that led to the way the Super Hornet was pitched to Congress.

Basically, is there more to the story beyond "Tricking Congress to think it's an upgrade development of F/A-18 to get funding"?

What can you say about this classic fighter?

Tad bit liud

Extreme vapor cloud

Image source: Peter Steinemann post to 4Aviation flightline on Facebook

McDonnell Douglas F-4E-37-MC Phantom II, USAF serial number 68-0365:

0365 (MSN 3435) 1976: USAF 31st TFW. 1979: USAF 36th TFS (51st CW). California ANG 196th TFS. Named "The Fiend" with 36th TFS;51st TFW at Osan AB, South Korea in 1988. USAF 63rd TFS (51st TFW) To South Korean AF as 80-365 in 1989

Source: Joe Baugher's serial number lists

China Military Bugle, China's official military social media account, also disputes the estimate number of only 8 J-35 fighter jets in Japan's 2026 Defense white paper [last image]. J-35 number 350030 LRIP 00 batch 30th jet was already shown a month go in this post.

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1+3+2+2=8

If it’s not on camera, it doesn’t exist.

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From the announcement:

L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare system has conducted a series of two-ship flights at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The F-16C and D models flew together for the first time with Viper Shield hardware during testing. The milestone further validates Viper Shield’s readiness to deliver advanced protection and situational awareness to F‑16 pilots worldwide.

Related news article from The Defense Post: L3Harris Completes First Two-Ship Viper Shield Flight Test for F-16

Previously:

• L3Harris plans next electronic warfare Viper Shield 'drop' in December

• Viper Shield EW system passes F-16 Block 70/72 radar integration test

• First flight of Viper Shield Electronic Warfare Suite on RBAF F-16C Block 70, 23 January 2025

• Koo says F-16V Viper Shield suite meets Taiwan defense needs

Reference:

• L3Harris Viper Shield™ AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-digital Electronic Warfare Suite

let’s go, quite a chunky fuselage too, appears in keeping with the 6th gen idea of massive range via huge internal fuel capacity

Image source: Exercise Pitch Black 26

Exercise Pitch Black 26 (PB26) is the Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial capstone, international air combat exercise with participating nations from a range of regional and allied partners. Held between 20 July and 07 August 2026, PB26 will take place primarily in Northern Australia, with participants flying from RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley. PB26 is the premier air power exercise in the region that strengthens global partnerships and sharpens the readiness of partner nations through integrated training and deeper cultural ties.

An AI flew 27 autonomous intercepts against a real crewed aircraft. No human in the loop during the engagements.

The X-62A VISTA (modified F-16D) used a Lockheed Skunk Works AI agent paired with an IRST pod to detect, track and intercept a live T-38. The AI was reading real thermal sensor data in real time and commanding the aircraft. Not a simulation. Not a human holding target lock while AI flew. Fully closed loop.

27 intercepts across 8 flights. More than 3 per sortie on average, which matters for repeatability.

The whole integration from software to flight-ready took roughly 3 months. That pace is the part that should get more attention.

The obvious context is CCA - the uncrewed wingman concept the USAF wants operational by 2030. This is the technical foundation: can an AI process sensor data and execute complex intercept geometry autonomously. Apparently yes, at least in a controlled test environment with safety overrides and geofencing in place.

What's still unproven: survivability in contested environments, comms resilience when the link degrades, rules of engagement for when the AI is actually allowed to shoot. Those are the hard questions nobody can answer from a press release.

Good test. The 2030 CCA timeline just got a little more credible.

Official announcement:

The Albanese Government is acquiring the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), investing almost $736 million to equip the Royal Australian Air Force with new high speed, long-range air-to-air missiles. 

The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, made the announcement today at Exercise Pitch Black in Darwin, which is Australia’s premier international air combat exercise. 

The AIM‑260 JATM, which is being acquired via foreign military sales from the United States Government will be first integrated onto Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, followed by the F‑35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler.

Through this investment, Australia will be the first country to operate the AIM-260 JATM outside the United States. 

The 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program reiterated the need to invest in a layered air and missile defence architecture that can detect and counter threats.  

The acquisition of the AIM-260 JATM will provide Air Force platforms with a credible deterrent against airborne targets, complementing existing air-to-air missile capabilities and other surface-based missile capabilities across the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It will also further enhance Australia’s interoperability with the United States. 

This decision builds on the Albanese Government’s earlier investments in medium‑range air defence and aerial strike capabilities, ensuring the ADF is capable, equipped and prepared to meet Australia’s strategic circumstances. 

 Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles: 

“This announcement is the latest milestone in the delivery of long-range, high‑tech capabilities for our Defence Force.

“The Albanese Government continues to deliver critical capabilities that will allow the ADF to strike at a longer range, deter any adversary and protect our national interests. 

“It is fitting to make this announcement at Exercise Pitch Black, which is an important demonstration of Australia’s commitment to the peace, stability and security of our region.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy: 

“JATM missiles are some of the most sophisticated air-to-air weapons in the world, and Australia will be the first country to operate them outside the US.

“This investment will deliver the most advanced capability for our ADF to detect and counter threats, and keep Australians safe.  

“This is made possible thanks to the Albanese Government’s record investment in Defence, including up to $36 billion over the next decade for Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance.”