Belgian Air Component F-16As. (Photo: NATO)
Lockheed Martin is set to benefit from a potential $127 million FMS contract to help sustain the Belgian Air Component’s fleet of F-16A Fighting Falcons, after the US State Department announced its approval of the deal on 19 July.
The Belgian government is requesting additional F-16 sustainment support that will be added to a previously implemented FMS case worth $98.4 million.
As with the earlier case, the new potential FMS contract would include the sustainment of AN/ARC-210 radios, classified software, EW databases, munitions and aircraft support equipment, and other features such as IT support.
‘The proposed sale will improve Belgium’s capability to meet current and future threats by maintaining its F-16 fleet in combat-ready status and providing rotational forces to NATO’s Eastern flank,’ the State Department noted.
A detachment of Belgian F-16s happened to be in Estonia conducting enhanced air policing in the Baltics when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. The F-16s were later employed for enhanced Air Vigilance policing (also from a base in Estonia) that ended on 20 July.
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
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