Iraq's plan to acquire a batch of F-16 fighters has received final approval, with the US Department of Defense revealing Lockheed Martin's receipt of an $835 million contract linked to the deal.
In a 5 December notification, the DoD said the Foreign Military Sales award covers the production of 12 single-seat F-16C fighters and six D-model trainers in the Block 52 configuration, which denotes the use of Pratt & Whitney's F100-229 engine.
Lockheed will complete the assembly of Iraqi F-16s at its Fort Worth site in Texas, with the DoD saying work will conclude by 30 May 2018. The contract also covers the provision of logistics support, it added.
In September 2010, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency valued a possible deal for 18 "F-16IQ" aircraft as worth up to $4.2 billion, including engines, Northrop Grumman APG-68(V)9 radars, air-launched weapons, and other related equipment.
Source: Flight International
