MILITARY
The United States Air Force has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation to provide long-term engineering and technical support for F-16 fighter jet radar systems, with Pakistan included among the beneficiary countries.
The contract, issued under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, focuses on sustaining and upgrading key radar systems, specifically the APG-66 and APG-68, which are critical for the operational performance of F-16 aircraft.
According to official details, the agreement is structured as a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract and will support both US military requirements and allied nations operating F-16 fleets.
The work will be carried out in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to continue until March 31, 2036, ensuring long-term maintenance, upgrades, and operational readiness of radar systems across participating countries.
Pakistan, which operates a fleet of F-16 fighter jets as a key component of its air defense capabilities, is among several countries included in this programme. The deal is seen as part of ongoing defense cooperation between the US and partner nations, aimed at maintaining interoperability and strengthening military readiness.
The development follows earlier US support packages for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, highlighting continued strategic and technical collaboration in defense and security sectors.