Flir Systems Inc. of Portland, Ore., announced that it has received notification from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that it intends to exercise a contract modification option under a prior $13.5-million contract. Under terms of the modification, Flir will supply Star Safire HD imaging systems to be fitted on AP-3C maritime patrol aircraft for surveillance and search and rescue missions. The original contract was signed during the third quarter. The Star Safire HDs will replace existing Star Safire III systems to enable the RAAF's operational transition to HD technology. Deliveries are expected to begin the first quarter of 2009 and be completed within 12 months.