https://arab.news/6h99n
- Pakistan has faced issues with technical updates of the aircraft, which are among its most valuable defense hardware
- The contract provides for engineering and technical support of F-16 radar, APG 66/68, the US department of war says
ISLAMABAD: The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for long-term engineering and technical support of F-16 radar systems, with Pakistan among the nations covered in the deal.
Lockheed Martin-made F-16 jets are among the most valuable defense hardware in the Pakistani military’s arsenal. The country reportedly has a fleet of about 50 F-16s, each worth at least $40 million.
However, the South Asian nation, which acquired these jets from the United States (US) as part of the Peace Gate program in the 1980s, has faced issues with technical updates of the aircraft.
The US has now awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. a ceiling $488 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery or quantity contract for F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Air Force/Navy support.
“This contract provides for the engineering and technical support of F-16 radar (APG 66/68),” the US department of war said on its website this week.
“This contract involves FMS to Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand, and Türkiye.”
In Dec., the US had approved a sale of advanced technology support and equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, valued at $686 million, according to a letter sent by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the Congress, saying the move would allow Islamabad to partner with Washington in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Pakistan and the US have been key allies. The proposed sale took place as Washington, under US President Donald Trump, warmed up to Pakistan after his recent meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
As per a copy of the document dated Dec. 8 and seen by Arab News, Islamabad had requested to buy 92 Link-16 systems communication/data-sharing networks and six Mk–82 inert 500-lb general purpose bomb bodies. The letter also said the sale included non-Major Defense Equipment items such as aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, other weapons integration, test and support equipment such as spare and repair parts.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations,” the letter read.