LANGKAWI, Malaysia, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Malaysian air force F/A-18Ds are to receive their first major upgrade through a U.S. Navy contract under the Foreign Military Sales Program.
The upgrade contract given to Boeing includes provisions for design, development and installation of retrofit kits for improved navigation, targeting and situational awareness.
Among the upgrades: improvements in global positioning systems; a moving-map cockpit display; Identification Friend or Foe interrogation capabilities; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems; and maintenance and air crew training for the new systems.
"These upgrades will deliver enhanced capability for the Malaysian air force fleet to remain effective, interoperable with allies and operationally relevant for years to come," said Julie Praiss, Boeing Global Services and Support director of Tactical Aircraft and Weapons Support.
"Boeing looks forward to our continued partnership with the Malaysian air force and the U.S. Navy to ensure that these F/A-18Ds continue to serve Malaysia's strike and interdiction mission needs."
Eight aircraft will be upgraded, making the F/A-18Ds compatible with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets that Boeing is offering the country.
The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multi-mission tactical aircraft that can be used for day/night strike missions, forward air control, close air support and reconnaissance.
