Switzerland is looking to spend $535 million for the sale of “Upgrade 25 Program” equipment to enhance survivability and communications connectivity and to extend the useful life of 33 Swiss Air Force (SAF) F/A-18C/D aircraft, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.
This phase of the F/A-18C/D “Upgrade 25 Program” will include: 20 AN/ASQ-228A(V) Advanced Tactical Forward Looking Infrared Radar (ATFLIR) Pods; 44 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Sets, DSCA said.
The proposed sale also includes improvements to the cockpit display systems, image, capture, handling, transmit, and receipt capability, Global Positioning System (GPS), and voice/data/video recording. Aircraft modifications will include integration of the AN/AAQ-228 LITENING Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Pod, according to DSCA.
Operational support for these modifications will be provided through upgrades to the mission data system through the purchase of the Joint Mission Planning System. Also included: engineering change proposals, system integration and testing, software development, integration, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering support services, and other related elements of logistics and program management support, DSCA added.
Prime contractors will be Boeing [BA], Northrop Grumman [NOC], Raytheon [RTN], and Lockheed Martin [LMT].
The Swiss Air Force has extensive experience operating the F/A-18C/D aircraft and should have no difficulty incorporating the upgraded capabilities into its forces. The SAF needs this upgrade to keep pace with high tech advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications, DSCA said.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives in-country.
However, it is estimated that 20 U.S. Government and 20 contractor representatives will participate in program management and technical reviews in-country for one-week intervals twice annually.