The United States has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for long-term engineering and technical support of F-16 radar systems, with Pakistan listed among the beneficiary countries under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
Read More: US $686M package to keep Pakistan’s F–16s combat-ready until 2040
According to an official contract award notice, the agreement covers support for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems used in F-16 fighter aircraft. The contract is structured as a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity arrangement and includes both foreign military sales and US military requirements.
Sustainment Boost for Pakistan & Türkiye’s F-16 Fleet
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $488 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract focused on sustainment and lifecycle support for the global F-16 Fighting Falcon program, with Pakistan and Türkiye among the… pic.twitter.com/bdMiwF6Fti
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The work will be carried out at Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is scheduled to continue until March 31, 2036. The contract was reportedly awarded on a sole-source basis by the US Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
Pakistan is among several countries included in the programme, alongside Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand, Türkiye, and others.
Officials said the contract is aimed at ensuring continued operational support, maintenance, and technical upgrades for radar systems installed on F-16 fleets operated by participating nations.
The development follows a separate US approval in December 2025 for a support and technology package worth $686 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. That package reportedly included Link-16 data link systems, avionics upgrades, cryptographic equipment, training, and logistical support.
According to US authorities, such defence cooperation supports broader foreign policy and national security objectives by maintaining interoperability between partner forces and enhancing operational readiness.
Analysts note that Pakistan’s inclusion in the programme reflects the continuing role of F-16 aircraft in the country’s air defence capabilities and operational planning.
Read More: US greenlights $686 million F–16 upgrade for Pakistan
The Pakistan Air Force has operated F-16 fighter jets for decades, with periodic upgrades and maintenance support provided through bilateral defence arrangements.
Observers say the latest contract highlights continued technical collaboration in military aviation support despite broader geopolitical complexities in the region.