The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified US Congress of a potential sale for upgrades to existing F/A-18D aircraft of the Malaysian Navy.

Under the estimated $72m foreign military sale, Malaysia has requested for the procurement and integration of a mid-life upgrade to the aircraft including six AN/ASQ-228 advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) pods.

The proposed sale also includes software development, system integration and testing, test sets, aircrew and maintenance training, support equipment, spares and repair parts, and other related programme support.

The upgrade will support the country’s future coalition operations and aircraft interoperability with the US and other regional partners.

The upgrade will also reduce obsolescence issues, and provide the Malaysian Navy with similar functionality to that of the US Navy.

Boeing will be the principal contractor.