The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Thursday of plans to sell the government of Switzerland $200 million worth of follow-on support for that country's fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, plus necessary equipment, parts, training, and logistical support.
The principal contractors on this project will be defense contractors:
- Boeing (BA 0.39%)
- Exelis (NYSE: XLS)
- General Dynamics (GD 0.93%)
- General Electric (GE 1.44%)
- Northrop Grumman (NOC 1.82%)
- and also the privately held defense companies Wyle Laboratories, MacKee, and Zenetex.
DSCA describes the purpose of the sale as supporting Switzerland's F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade Program, and involving primarily upgrades to the airplanes' engines and software, plus additional upgrades to sensors, weaponry, and communications. These upgrades are intended to "extend the useful life" of Switzerland's F/A-18 fighter aircraft and "enhance their survivability."
DSCA assures Congress that "the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," nor will it have any "adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness."
