The Brazilian Navy has contracted AgustaWestland to perform a mid-life upgrade to Lynx Mk21A helicopters, the company said on Wednesday.

The contract to the Anglo-Italian company is worth more than $160 million and involves upgrades to eight aircraft.

Modernization will include replacement of the aircraft's current engines, navigation, displays suite and mission avionics.

New-generation CTS800-4N engines will be installed, as well as a new glass cockpit to compliment an advanced avionic suite -- a tactical processor, satellite-based navigation system, traffic collision avoidance system, instrument landing system, and radar warning receiver/electronic surveillance measures that are integrated with counter-measures dispensers.

AgustaWestland said a comprehensive support and training package included in the deal provides for supply of a flight training device as well.

"These upgrades will give Brazil's Naval Aviation a significant improvement in its capabilities, with better performance, operational range and aircraft mission effectiveness," AgustaWestland said. "The upgrade program provides evidence of the company's capability and expertise in naval rotorcraft, and further strengthens the long standing partnership with this leading operator, which has operated Lynx helicopters since 1978."

The aircraft will be upgraded at a company facility in Britain starting next year.