Brazilian navy completes Skyhawk modernization program
Seven aircraft were equipped, among other things, with a glass cockpit made by Elbit's subsidiary AEL Sistemas, Elta's ELM-2032 radar and Elbit's radar warning receiver
US Navy Skyhawk. Source: Wikimedia / public domain
The Brazilian navy has completed the Skyhawk fighter jets modernizing program using advanced systems made by the Israeli defense industry. These days, the navy is in the process of receiving its seventh and final modernized Skyhawk fighter jet.
Brazil's Skyhawk modernization program (also called AF-1M) included overhauling the airframe and engine, as well as installing an AEL Sistemas glass cockpit, an ELTA Systems ELM-2032 radar, onboard oxygen-generation system, Rohde & Schwarz radios, navigation equipment, Elbit Systems radar warning receiver, and mission computer
According to Janes, Embraer was awarded a $106 million contract in April 2009 to modernize nine AF-1 and three AF-1A aircraft (formerly Kuwait's A-4KU and TA-4KU fighters). However, the program was later downsized and only five AF-1 single-seat and two AF-1A twin-seat aircraft from Squadron Falcão based at the Naval Air Base of São Pedro da Aldeia were modernized to the AF-1B and AF-1C standard, respectively, since 2015. One AF-1B crashed in July 2016
