New eyes for old Hornets: sensor options firm up for legacy F/A-18s

摘要

The contest to provide a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the world's F-16 fleets looks set to be repeated on a smaller scale as F/A-18C/D Hornet operators consider their options to keep their aircraft's capabilities viable. At present there are no funded projects looking for this capability, but amongst the eight countries operating F/A-18 A-D Hornets, a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), including an AESA upgrade, may be a cost-effective measure instead of going for new fighters, particularly Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia and Switzerland, which have all put off replacing their Hornets for various reasons.