Pakistani Air Force F-16. (Photo: PAF)
Lockheed Martin has been earmarked as prime contractor in a potential $450 million FMS deal to consolidate existing F-16 aircraft sustainment for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and add ‘continued support elements’, the US State Department announced on 7 September.
‘The proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions,’ the State Department noted.
The potential FMS features participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program, International Engine Management Program and Engine Component Improvement Program, plus aircraft and engine ‘hardware and software modifications and support’.
The PAF operates the F-16A/B and F-16C/D variants.
A State Department official said: ‘Pakistan is an important counterterrorism partner, and as part of longstanding policy, the United States provides life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms.
‘The F-16 fleet allows Pakistan to support counterterrorism operations and we expect Pakistan to take sustained action against all terrorist groups.’
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
UK defence secretary John Healey has announced the cancellation and decommissioning of naval and air force platforms to enable the government to “re-invest money in the armed forces” ahead of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review.
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
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