Athens’ planned $2 billion purchase of an additional 30 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters has moved forward with the award of an almost $100 million contract to enable the US manufacturer to acquire long-lead items for the aircraft.
Greece last month signed a letter of offer and acceptance to buy 20 single-seat F-16Cs and 10 two-seat F-16Ds in the enhanced Block 52+ configuration, under a move which will boost its air force fleet of the type from a current total of around 130 airframes.
Lockheed stands to eventually receive $1.2 billion under the 30-aircraft Peace Xenia IV programme, and is scheduled to complete deliveries by late 2009.
The deal includes an offset package worth 132% of the total contract value. This will lead to Lockheed and other US equipment suppliers placing work with local firms including Hellenic Aerospace Industry. The new aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines and equipped with Northrop Grumman’s APG-68(V)9 radar.
The overall value of the Greek deal could increase to around $3 billion if Athens exercises an option to acquire a further 10 Block 52+ F-16s.
Source: Flight International
