F-18 Irish Air Corps

After retirement of the Supermarine Spitfire in 1955 the Irish Air Corps did not have any pure fighter or attack aircraft anymore. This suited the neutral Ireland fine until in 2020 the Irish government announced the intention to acquire an interceptor to combat ever more frequent Russian intrusions of Irish airspace.

The choice fell on the McDonnell Douglas F-18A Hornet 40 of which could be bought from US surplus stocks. The aircraft were bought in 2021 and after a factory upgrade the first were delivered to Ireland in 2023. In 2025 the Irish Air Corps celebrated its 100-year anniversary.

One F-18A received special tail markings and participated in several air shows all over Europe.

Kit: 1/48 ESCI