Your original statement read to me as an assertion that it's obvious that this radar system defect (and others) exists because the system was developed using C/

Your original statement read to me as an assertion that it's obvious that this radar system defect (and others) exists because the system was developed using C/C++. I think it's a gross oversimplification to state that the avionics software is developed in C/C++: the avionics software is using a subset of C and/or C++, along with support tools, system engineering models, code reviews, V&V, etc. As I see it, there isn't that much difference on this sort of project if one were to use Ada or Java instead of C or C++: the support tools may be somewhat simpler, but the overwhelming majority of the SDLC activity remains unchanged. I'm not clear what causes this radar system defect, I didn't see it described in the source article, but a defect in design (for example) would seem likely to occur regardless of the programming language selected. Also, I'm curious to hear what your proposed alternative would be and why?