- The contract supports the APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems.
- Work will be completed in March 2036.
- Includes multiple allies under a foreign military sales plan.
The US Air Force has contracted Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in a $488 million deal to provide engineering and technical support for the F-16’s radar systems under its Foreign Military Sales program, with Pakistan among the beneficiary countries.
According to an official award notice issued by the U.S. War Department, the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers support for the F-16 System Program Office’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS), as well as Air Force and Navy requirements.
The contract includes engineering and technical support for the APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to be completed March 31, 2036.
The contract involves foreign military sales to several countries, including Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Türkiye.
The US Air Force said the contract was awarded to a single supplier. Fiscal 2026 unallocated Air Force and Navy funds in the amount of $2,644,922 were obligated at the time of the award.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting authority for the agreement, which was awarded April 27, 2026.
The development comes months after the United States, in December 2025, approved the sale of advanced technology and support services worth $686 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet.
According to a letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress dated December 8, the package covers Link-16 data link systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training and extensive logistical support.
The DSCA says the decision aligns with Washington’s broader strategic objectives, stating that the sale “will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by enabling Pakistan to maintain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The letter notes that the upgrades are intended to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade and address operational security requirements. According to the letter, the sale will “maintain Pakistan’s ability to meet current and future threats by upgrading and renewing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.”
