Built as a replacement for the legendary Mosquito, the de Havilland Hornet began life as a private venture to improve on its predecessor as a high-performance twin engined strike figher. Like the Mosquito, the Hornet was built extensively of wood although the wing also featured metal parts and upon its first flight achieved speeds superior to those of even the initial Meteor jets. Given its wartime design, the Hornet was intended for long range operations in the Pacific but entered service too late to see action. Instead it was used by Fighter Command and later by the Far Eastern Air Force to combat Malayan communists, replacing older Spitfires and Beaufighters in the ground attack role. A navalized development was known as the Sea Hornet and was used additionally at sea as a photo-reconnaissance platform and a night-fighter. RAF Hornets were ultimately replaced by Vampires while naval versions flew until 1955.

Design of the DH.103 began in 1942 with the maiden flight occurring on 28 July 1944. Initial deliveries began with the Hornet F.1 for the RAF followed by the F.3 major production version with increased fuel capacity and underwing hardpoints. Other RAF variants included the PR.2 photo-reconnaissance aircraft and the similar but armed F.4. Naval versions began with the Sea Hornet F.20 and also included the NF.21 night fighters with ASH radar in a nose radome and the PR.22 photo-recon platform.