Lockheed Martin’s F-16 programme enjoyed double success last week, with the company chosen to meet an interim Greek fighter requirement and receiving first funds from a $1.1 billion contract to upgrade Turkey’s current fleet of the aircraft.
The Greek defence ministry on 19 July announced its intention to buy 30 enhanced Block 52+F-16s to meet an attrition requirement, with 10 more to be placed on option under an estimated €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) purchase.
The government also announced its intention to launch a process later this year to acquire up to 40 new-generation fighters, having in 2004 overturned a decision by a former administration to buy up to 90 Eurofighter Typhoons. The four-nation design is again expected to contest the requirement.
Lockheed, meanwhile, received a $67.7 million contract from the US Air Force to launch development of a systems upgrade for Turkey’s F-16s to bring 217 of its fighters to a common configuration by 2011.
CRAIG HOYLE / LONDON
Source: Flight International
