Graham Warwick/WASHINGTON DC
Lockheed Martin is offering Israel 60 Block 50 F-16s with conformal long-range fuel tanks and the option of an active-array radar.
Details of the bid emerged when the US Department of Defense notified Congress of plans to offer Israel the choice of either 60 F-16s or a further 30 Boeing F-15Is for its $2.5 billion fighter contest. An Israeli decision is expected by early next year.
The F-16s are being offered with either an upgraded version of the current Northrop Grumman APG-68 radar, or the new APG-68 Agile Beam Radar selected by the United Arab Emirates for its advanced, Block 60 F-16s. The US Government blocked efforts by Lockheed Martin to offer the Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 radar on the F-16.
The F-15Is are being offered with either the current APG-70 radar or the upgraded APG-63(V)1 under development for US Air Force F-15Cs. Both radars are produced by Raytheon Systems (formerly Hughes).
The USA recently offered the United Arab Emirates a $2 billion package of missiles, including 491 Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAMs for its planned fleet of 80 Block 60 F-16 fighters.
The package also includes laser-guided bombs and possibly AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles and AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles.
Source: Flight International
