Cagematch: America's Deadly F-15E Strike Eagle vs. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (Who Wins?)
What plane would you choose in a fight?
On balance, Maverick could not go wrong with either the Strike Eagle or Super Hornet. Both are highly-capable fighters that have performed admirably and improved considerably with time. Of course, being a Navy pilot, Maverick will have no choice but to fly the “Bug.” But though he may miss his old F-14, he is unlikely to be disappointed in the upcoming Block III F/A-18E/F. Thanks to its excellent design and upgrades, Maverick will continue to be able to claim the mantle of Top Gun.
Edward Chang is a freelance defense, military, and foreign policy writer. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and War Is Boring.