The United States Air Force has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman for engineering and technical support of F-16 radar systems under its Foreign Military Sales programme, with Pakistan listed among the beneficiary countries.
According to an official award notice, the firm fixed price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract will support the F-16 System Programme Office’s foreign military sales operations, along with requirements of both the Air Force and the Navy. The agreement covers engineering and technical assistance for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems, which form a critical part of the F-16’s combat capability.
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The contract specifies that work will take place in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and will run through March 31, 2036. Officials confirmed that the award was issued on a sole source basis.
Multi-country support framework
The contract includes foreign military sales to a wide range of partner nations. These include Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Türkiye.
The Air Force said it has already obligated $2,644,922 in fiscal 2026 non appropriated funds at the time of the award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah is overseeing the contract. This contract was awarded on April 27, 2026.
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The APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems play a central role in target tracking, navigation and weapons delivery for F-16 aircraft. Analysts say sustained engineering support ensures operational readiness. It also extends the service life of aging fleets used by multiple allied air forces.
Pakistan’s F-16 upgrades in focus
The development comes months after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a separate $686 million package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet in December 2025. That package includes Link-16 data link systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training and logistical support.
In a letter to the US Congress dated December 8, the agency said the move aligns with Washington’s broader strategic objectives. It stated the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The letter further noted that the upgrades aim to modernise Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade aircraft. It added that the programme will “maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.”
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Pakistan operates one of the largest F-16 fleets outside NATO. Defence analysts say continued US support helps maintain operational standards and ensures compatibility with allied systems, especially in joint missions and counterterrorism operations.
