RAWALPINDI, May 2 (Alliance News): The United States Air Force has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for engineering and technical support of F-16 radar systems under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with Pakistan listed among the beneficiary countries.
According to an official award notice issued by the US Department of Defense, the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract will support the F-16 System Programme Office’s FMS operations, as well as requirements of both the US Air Force and Navy.
The agreement includes maintenance and technical assistance for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems, which are critical components of the F-16 fighter aircraft.
The work under the contract will be carried out in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to continue through March 31, 2036. The contract has been awarded on a sole-source basis, with initial funding of $2.64 million obligated at the time of the award.
The programme involves multiple allied and partner nations, including Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Türkiye, reflecting the widespread global use of F-16 platforms.
The contracting authority for the agreement is the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The contract was formally awarded on April 27, 2026.
The development follows a separate decision by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in December 2025 to approve a $686 million package for Pakistan aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of its F-16 fleet.
The package includes Link-16 data link systems, advanced cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training, and logistical support.
In its communication to Congress, the agency stated that the sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by enabling Pakistan to maintain interoperability with US and allied forces, particularly in ongoing counterterrorism operations and future contingency preparedness.
The upgrades are intended to modernise Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 aircraft, while also addressing operational safety and sustainability requirements.
Officials noted that the initiative will help Pakistan maintain its ability to counter evolving security threats by enhancing the performance and longevity of its existing fleet.
