Swiss Defense Procurement Agency, Armasuisse, Armasuisse has successfully completed the first step of upgrading the F/A-18 fleet. In Emmen the last converted F/A-18 fighter aircraft could be officially handed over to the Swiss Air Force according to schedule and within the target costs of CHF 220 million. The Credit was approved with Armament Program 2001.
The new systems provide the Air Force with F/A-18 fleet optimized for air defence tasks. The improvements were mainly achieved by installing an active Identification Friend or Foe unit and a map display system featuring latest technology. Furthermore preparations were made for the installation of a data link system foreseen for phase 2.
The fleet conversion was realized under armasuisse project management in two years by the industrial team of Boeing and RUAG Aerospace in Emmen. Today the last of totally 33 converted F/A-18 jets was officially handed over to the Swiss Air Force in the presence of all organizations involved in the project.
The installation work for the phase 2 systems has already begun. This system conversion in the amount of CHF 292 million was approved with Armament Program 2003.
The second step of the medium-term upgrade program for the F/A-18 fleet, with the installation of a high-capacity data link system, the new AIM-9X missile and the helmet-mounted sight system will be completed by 2009.
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