- The contract supports the APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems.
- Work to be completed by March 2036.
- Includes several allies in a foreign military sales plan.
The US Air Force signed a contract with Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for $488 million to provide engineering and technical support for F-16 radar systems under its Foreign Military Sales program, with Pakistan among the recipient countries.
According to an official award notice issued by the U.S. Department of War, the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract covers F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales (FMS) support 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 by 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, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Turkey.
The U.S. Air Force said the contract was awarded on a sole-source basis. Unappropriated for fiscal 2026, Air Force and Navy funds in the amount of $2,644,922 were obligated at the time of award.
The Air Force Lifecycle 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 approved the sale of advanced technologies and support services worth $686 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet in December 2025.
According to a letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress on 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, saying the sale “will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enabling Pakistan to maintain interoperability with U.S. and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.” »
The letter said the upgrades are aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade and meeting operational security requirements. According to the letter, the sale will “maintain Pakistan’s ability to address current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and F-16 Mid Life Upgrade fleet.”
