Thales U.S. modernizing USAF navigation aids PARIS, June 20 (UPI) -- Navigation systems used by the U.S. Air Force on its bases around the world are to be modernized under a contract given the U.S. subsidiary of Thales. The systems for replacement under the service's Navigational Aids Family of Systems program are the AN/FRN-44 Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range system, the AN/FRN-45 Tactical Air Navigation system, and the AN/FRN-43 Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range Tactical Air Navigation system The systems enable aircraft to navigate en route and provide approach guidance to aircraft. Thales said it will replace obsolete components the existing NAVAIDS with its more advanced and modern products, which cost less to maintain and which have a remote maintenance monitoring capability. "By leveraging certified, commercially available technology as the foundation, Thales has engineered a cost-effective solution that ensures the safe navigation for our flying warfighters," said Tony Lo Brutto, vice president of Thales Air Traffic Management U.S. "The advanced remote monitoring capability and higher system reliability will reduce USAF operating expenses, while providing the highest availability for the most advanced navigation support in the National Airspace System." The value of the contract and its performance timeline were not provided. The contract was announced by Thales at the Paris Air Show.