The Swiss Air Force received the first of 34 F/A-18 Hornets on January 23, 1997. The Swiss have 3 F/A-18 squadrons (Fliegerstaffel), 11, 17 and 18 with Fliegerstaffel 17 receiving the first aircraft followed by Fliegerstaffel 18 “Panthers” in 1998. Since the dimensions of the F/A-18 are larger than the Mirage III it was replacing the caverns in the mountains where the aircraft are kept had to be enlarged. Fliegerstaffel 18’s J-5018 c/n 1366/SFC018 is the only aircraft that wears their squadron badge.

Info: F/A-18C Hornet Swiss Air Force 18th Sqn Panthers, #J-5018, Switzerland, November 2009