FA-18E Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan — The F/A-18 entered service with the US Navy in 1999 (Picture: US Department of Defense).

Aircraft

Production to end of Top Gun 2's F/A-18 Super Hornet jet

Production of the F/A-18 Super Hornet - as seen flown by Tom Cruise's character Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the latest Top Gun movie - is set to be stopped.

Manufacturer Boeing said the fighter jet will stop being made in late 2025 after a final delivery to the US Navy.

However, Boeing said production could be extended to 2027 if the jet is ordered by an international customer.

Despite the decision to cease production, the defence firm said it would continue to service the aircraft through the mid-2030s, providing "advanced capabilities development and upgrades… for decades".

Watch: Active US fighter pilot answers the question 'How real is Top Gun?'

Constructed in St Louis, Missouri, Boeing said axing the F/A-18 allows it to focus on next-generation crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Steve Nordlund, Vice President of Boeing Air Dominance and St Louis site leader, said "building fighter aircraft is in our DNA".

"As we invest in and develop the next era of capability, we are applying the same innovation and expertise that made the F/A-18 a workhorse for the US Navy and air forces around the world for nearly 40 years."

F/A-18s can reach speeds of 1.8mach and are also flown by the Royal Australian Air Force.

They have a range of 2,361km and come armed with Paveway Laser Guided Bombs as well as Maverick missiles.