The CF-18 is a multipurpose, high-performance twin-engine fighter that can equally well handle air-to-air (air defence, air superiority, combat air patrol, etc.) or ground-attack (close air support, battlefield air interdiction, etc.) roles, aided by on-board computer systems that can be quickly re-programmed to the mission at hand. (Note: The CF-18 is officially designated the “CF188” in Canadian use, although that identity is rarely employed except in the most official or technical documentation.)