WASHINGTON: The United States Air Force has awarded a major contract for F-16 radar system support. The deal is valued at $488 million and goes to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp.
The contract is part of the Foreign Military Sales programme. It includes engineering and technical support for multiple partner countries. Pakistan is also among the listed beneficiaries of the programme.
Officials said the agreement will support both F-16 aircraft radar systems and broader defence requirements. The systems involved include APG-66 and APG-68 radar technologies used in different F-16 fleets.
The contract is firm-fixed-price and indefinite-delivery in nature. This means work will be provided over time based on operational needs. The project is expected to continue until March 31, 2036.
The F-16 support work will be carried out in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The US Air Force confirmed that the Air Force Lifecycle Management Centre will oversee the contract.
According to officials, the deal was awarded on a sole-source basis. Initial funding of $2.64 million has already been allocated from fiscal year 2026 budgets.
Several countries are included under the Foreign Military Sales programme. These include Pakistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Iraq, and others. The programme supports upgrades and maintenance for F-16 fleets operated by allied nations.
The US has previously approved additional support for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. In December 2025, Washington cleared a $686 million package for modernization and technical upgrades.
That package included Link-16 systems, avionics improvements, cryptographic equipment, and training support. Officials said the upgrades will improve safety and operational readiness of F-16 aircraft.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency stated that the sale supports US foreign policy goals. It also helps allied nations maintain interoperability with US forces during joint operations.
The upgrades will modernize Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 aircraft. These improvements are aimed at ensuring long-term operational capability and addressing evolving security needs.
In other news read more about US Deal To Help Pakistan F-16 Fleet Stay Operational Long-Term
Officials said the ongoing support for F-16 systems reflects long-term cooperation between the United States and partner countries. The programme is expected to continue strengthening defence capabilities across multiple regions.
