Brazil's government has approved a $3 billion modernization of the country's air force, defense minister Geraldo Quintao disclosed earlier this month. The plan represents a major boost in funding for the air force, which has spent an annual average of just over $180 million on new equipment in recent years. Priority programs include the modernization of 100 fighters, including Brazil's 50-plus Embraer/Alenia AMX combat aircraft, to improve currently poor readiness standards. The air force will also be looking for new maritime patrol aircraft and updated fleet of government transport aircraft.