US awards $488m F-16 radar support under a new defence contract aimed at strengthening technical and engineering services for key military aircraft systems. The deal includes Pakistan among several partner nations benefiting from the programme.
The United States Air Force has awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. The agreement focuses on providing long-term engineering and technical support for F-16 radar systems used by multiple countries under the Foreign Military Sales programme.
The contract covers maintenance and support for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems. Work will be carried out in Maryland and is scheduled to continue until March 2036, making it a long-term defence support arrangement.
US awards $488m F-16 radar support also includes services for a wide group of allied nations such as Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Poland, Türkiye and Pakistan. These countries operate F-16 aircraft and depend on continuous upgrades for operational readiness.
The US Air Force confirmed that the deal was awarded on a sole-source basis. Funding from fiscal 2026 Air Force and Navy budgets has already been partially allocated for the project.
Officials said the Air Force Lifecycle Management Centre in Utah will oversee the contract. The support will ensure that F-16 systems remain operational and compatible across different partner forces.
This development follows earlier approval in December 2025, when the US cleared a separate $686 million package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. That package included advanced systems such as Link-16 data links, avionics upgrades, training, and logistical support.
According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the upgrades are designed to improve safety, performance, and interoperability. It also noted that the assistance supports broader US strategic and counterterrorism goals with partner countries.
US awards $488m F-16 radar support reflects Washington’s continued focus on maintaining defence cooperation with allied nations while modernising aging fighter jet fleets. The programme is expected to keep F-16 aircraft operational and effective for years to come.