The US Navy has officially labeled F/A-18 Super Hornets armed with nine air-to-air missiles as "Murder Hornets," emphasizing their enhanced combat capabilities amid critical operational needs.
The configuration was first seen in combat operations in the Red Sea, where heightened air defense capabilities were deemed essential to counter ongoing threats from Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford highlighted that the heavy air-to-air configuration was necessary for providing "a lot more firepower and capability immediately in support of Red Sea operations and counter-UAS."
The Super Hornet's loadout includes four AIM-9X short-range missiles and five AIM-120 missiles, marking a shift in naval air combat strategy in response to evolving threats.
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