Malaysia to upgrade Hornets

MALAYSIA-(IDB) : A request has been made via the US FMS programme for the mid-life upgrade of the F/A-18D Hornets and the purchase of 6 ATFLIR.

Since the whole programme has an estimated cost of US$72 million (RM301 million) and the ATFLIR pods cost around US$3 million each (RM9 million) much of the money will probably go towards the Hornets MLU, which is about time I might add.

From other Hornet user MLUs, we can surmised that our programme will probably add new capabilities to the radar, electronics and capabilities to use the latest munitions including satellite guided weapons such JDAMs and the C7 version of the Amraam. An extension to its service life is also expected. With the MLU, our Hornets will probably soldier on beyond 2020. 

Perhaps another FMS request for the new munitions will be made soon.

From DSCA:

Malaysia request for Hornet MLU

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2011 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Malaysia for upgrades to existing F/A-18D aircraft, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $72 million.

The Government of Malaysia has requested the procurement and integration of a Mid Life Upgrade to existing F/A-18D aircraft including six (6) AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR Pods. Also included are software development, system integration and testing, test sets, aircrew and maintenance training, support equipment, spares and repair parts, publications, technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical, logistics, engineering support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $72 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in East Asia.

Malaysia needs these assets to support future coalition operations and aircraft interoperability with the U.S. and other regional partners. This will upgrade the current FLIR pod to a current configuration, reducing obsolescence issues, and aligning the Malaysian Navy with functionality similar to the U.S. Navy.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will require the temporary travel of approximately eight contractor representatives to Malaysia for installation, system validation, and verification of this system along with other upgrade capabilities being integrated and installed simultaneously.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded. 

Source: Malaysia Defence