US F-16 Radar Support Deal Covers Pakistan Fleet

The United States Air Force has awarded a $488 million long-term support contract for F-16 radar systems, with Pakistan included among the partner countries covered by the arrangement. The contract, issued to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., signals continued technical backing for countries operating the US-made fighter aircraft.

According to the official award notice, the agreement will provide engineering and technical support for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems used in F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. The work will be carried out in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to continue until March 31, 2036.

Pakistan is listed among a broad group of countries included under the US Foreign Military Sales framework. The list also includes Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Turkiye.

The award was issued on a sole-source basis through the US Air Force Lifecycle Management Centre in Utah. An initial amount of $2.64 million from fiscal year 2026 Air Force and Navy non-appropriated funds has been obligated at the time of the award.

For Pakistan, the development is significant because the F-16 remains an important part of the country’s air defence structure, even as the Pakistan Air Force has expanded and diversified its fleet in recent years. Long-term radar support helps maintain operational readiness, improves aircraft reliability and keeps existing platforms compatible with allied systems.

The latest contract follows a separate US Defence Security Cooperation Agency notification in December 2025 involving a proposed $686 million package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. That package included avionics improvements, Link-16 tactical data systems, secure communications, cryptographic equipment, training, logistics and related technical support.

US officials have described the earlier upgrade proposal as a measure aimed at improving interoperability between Pakistan, the United States and partner forces, particularly for counterterrorism cooperation and contingency operations. The package was also presented as a way to extend the service life of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet through 2040 while addressing safety and avionics requirements.

A diplomatic source familiar with the matter said Pakistan welcomed continued American support for the programme, noting that such arrangements help preserve the aircraft’s usefulness and technical compatibility. The source also indicated that Pakistan has reduced reliance on any single platform, but still values the sustainment of existing F-16 capabilities.

The contract may also carry wider strategic importance as Pakistan continues balancing defence modernisation, regional security needs and long-term procurement planning. Future steps are expected to focus on implementation timelines, technical coordination and whether the broader upgrade package moves forward alongside this radar support arrangement.