Australia has switched its radar warning receiver (RWR) selection for its Boeing F/A-18 Hornets from the BAE Systems Australia ALR 2002B to Raytheon's ALR-67(v)3 after acknowledging that the locally developed system would not meet the country's deadlines.
The ALR 2002B system was part of the Hornet upgrade programme designed to ensure the aircraft have the necessary air-to-air combat and strike capabilities until the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is delivered. Earlier this year it was revealed there were integration problems involving the ALR 2002B system on the Hornets, resulting in defence minister Brendan Nelson calling for a report from the Department of Defence. Australia is reported to have spent almost A$100 million ($76 million) on developing the BAE system.
The government now says that, although the ALR 2002B shows "great promise", it cannot be delivered in time. "Ensuring the success of the extensive Hornet upgrade and Australia's regional superiority is the most important priority and requires us to progress with another, proven option," says Nelson.
The Raytheon system will be fitted to Australia's Hornet fleet from 2008, with full operational capability from 2011.
Source: Flight International
