Web Desk: The US Air Force has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman to provide long-term engineering and technical support for F-16 fighter jet radar systems, with Pakistan among the countries included in the programme.
The agreement, announced this week, covers maintenance and support for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems used on F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Work will be carried out in Maryland and is expected to continue through March 2036.
The deal extends support to a wide group of US partner nations under the Foreign Military Sales programme, including countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Officials said the contract is structured as an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity agreement, allowing services to be provided over time as needed. The award was issued without a competitive bidding process by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
An initial portion of funding has already been allocated, with additional amounts to be committed as requirements evolve over the life of the contract.
The agreement reflects Washington’s ongoing efforts to maintain the operational effectiveness of F-16 fleets used by allied air forces. For Pakistan, which continues to operate US-origin aircraft, the support is part of broader maintenance and upgrade arrangements aimed at sustaining readiness.
In recent years, Islamabad has pursued periodic upgrades to keep its fleet operational and aligned with evolving technical standards.
Meanwhile, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency previously notified Congress of a proposed $686 million package focused on modernising Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.
That plan includes advanced communication systems, avionics improvements, training and logistical assistance. It is designed to enhance coordination between Pakistan, the United States and other partner forces, particularly in joint operations.
The proposed package also covers updates to navigation systems, identification technologies and mission software, along with simulator support and technical documentation.
Lockheed Martin has been named as the primary contractor for the upgrade effort. US officials said the plan would not require additional American personnel to be stationed in Pakistan and would not affect US military readiness.
According to US officials, the broader goal of these initiatives is to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft into the next decade while ensuring compatibility with allied systems.
A diplomatic source familiar with the matter said Pakistan has responded positively to continued US support, viewing it as important for maintaining fleet capability while diversifying its overall air power assets.
Together, the long-term radar support contract and the proposed upgrade package highlight sustained US involvement in supporting allied F-16 fleets, reinforcing interoperability and operational coordination under existing security partnerships.
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