- The contract supports APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems.
- The work must be completed in March 2036.
- Includes several allies under Foreign Military Sales Plan.
The US Air Force has entered into a contract with Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in a $488 million deal 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 US War Department, the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers support for the F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales (FMS), as well as Air Force and Navy requirements.
The contract includes engineering and technical support for 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 Türkiye.
The US Air Force said the contract was awarded on a sole-source basis. Air Force and Navy unappropriated fiscal 2026 funds of $2,644,922 have been obligated at the time of award.
The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting authority for the contract, which was awarded on April 27, 2026.
The development comes months after the US in December 2025 approved the sale of advanced technology and support services worth $686 million to 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 goals, stating the sale “will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by allowing Pakistan to maintain interoperability with U.S. and partner forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The letter notes that the upgrades are intended to modernize Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 and meet operational security requirements. According to the letter, the sale will “sustain Pakistan’s ability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.”
