The upgrade includes: an upgraded radar; full colour displays; moving map capability; a secure data link; a Helmet Mounted Cueing System; an upgraded Countermeasures Dispensing System; a new Electronic Countermeasures Jammer; and new Radar Warning Receivers.
Fleet modification of the air defence role and pilot situational awareness systems was completed in August 2003 and December 2008, respectively. An interim electronic warfare capability, introducing a new radar warning receiver into service, was established in November 2008. The mature electronic warfare production program commenced in May 2009 and is planned to be complete by late 2012. Ongoing upgrades are required to the training systems to introduce emerging Hornet capabilities being introduced by other Hornet and weapon upgrades.
All three capability enhancement stages and software upgrades remain within the total project budget and on schedule, with two stages complete and accepted into service.