US Navy Adopts “Murder Hornet” Designation for Heavily Armed F/A-18 Jets
The United States Navy has officially embraced the term “Murder Hornet” for F/A-18 fighter jets equipped with a specific, high-capacity missile configuration. This new designation applies to aircraft carrying an arsenal of nine air-to-air missiles, comprising four AIM-9X and five AIM-120 missiles.
The “Murder Hornet” configuration was first observed during combat operations in the Red Sea in 2023, with its official debut on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in April 2024. The Eisenhower and its strike group were deployed to the region in response to escalating attacks by Houthi rebels on vital shipping lanes.
Rear Admiral Stephen Tedford highlighted the necessity for increased firepower in Red Sea operations, stating, “The evolving threat landscape demanded an enhancement of our air-defense capabilities.” The heavy air-to-air loadout was specifically developed to bolster counter-UAS efforts against Houthi drones and missiles.
Both the AIM-9X and AIM-120 missiles utilized in the “Murder Hornet” configuration are manufactured by RTX Corporation, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies.
The Eisenhower is one of four carriers currently involved in counter-Houthi operations. US forces have successfully intercepted over 180 attacks on military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the conflict’s escalation. In response to these threats, the US military has conducted numerous airstrikes against Houthi targets, including recent bombings of weapons storage facilities in Yemen.
Despite these efforts, Houthi rebels continue to launch attacks, claiming their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Recent weeks have witnessed an uptick in Houthi drone and missile attacks, with some reaching as far as Israel.
As tensions persist in the region, the “Murder Hornet” configuration represents a significant development in the US Navy’s approach to air defense and combat readiness in the face of evolving threats.
