US Awards $488 Million F-16 Radar Support Contract Covering Pakistan and Other Allies
WASHINGTON: The United States has awarded a major defense contract worth up to $488 million to support the maintenance and technical operations of F-16 fighter jet radar systems used by allied countries, including Pakistan.
According to reports, the United States Department of Defense granted the contract to Northrop Grumman. The company will provide engineering and technical support for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems installed on F-16 aircraft.
The agreement is part of a “multi-nation support framework,” under which more than 20 countries will benefit from repair, upgrades, and technical assistance for these systems over the next decade.
All work under the contract will be carried out in the U.S. state of Maryland and is expected to continue through 2036. The U.S. Air Force stated that the program is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of long-term air fleets.
🚨🇺🇸🇵🇰🇮🇳 BREAKING: US has approved radar upgrades for Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet, despite India's request not to do so. pic.twitter.com/SiqXMv3pig
— Nova Intel (@intel_nova) May 1, 2026
For Pakistan, officials clarified that this development does not involve the purchase of new aircraft but ensures continued maintenance and support for its existing F-16 fleet, which remains a key component of the country’s air defense capabilities.
Earlier, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency had also notified a separate $686 million program for the upgrade of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. That initiative includes improvements in avionics, secure communication systems, and data link technologies.
U.S. officials say these upgrades aim to enhance aircraft performance and keep them operational for the next decade without requiring additional American presence on the ground.
Defense analysts note that both initiatives reflect a shift toward “maintenance-based defense cooperation,” focusing on sustaining and upgrading existing systems rather than large-scale procurement of new weapons.
