In a sign that the Clone economy is starting to come around and budget pressures on the HCS are starting to lessen 100 million zarks has been made available to the HCSAF for upgrades. The money will be used to fund a number of pending updates including improved targeting pods for the F-45A fleet to improve their air-to-ground attack capability (around 150 pods is likely to be bought).
Other money will also be spent to upgrade around 30 of the oldest C-440 transports, giving the work horses a full refurbishment and upgrading their cockpits. The A-84 attack fleet is also likely to receive some upgrades to older examples. The HCSAF are also keen to upgrade more T-1 trainers to M standard ready for the introduction of the F-45C.
Its not all good news for the air force though, initial funding for a new generation of medium range air-to-air missiles has been postponed until 2116.
