More F-16s in the pipeline for FMS customers
Lockheed Martin is to produce new F-16 fighter aircraft for FMS customers over the next ten years, under a $62 billion contract from the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
The contract was announced by the DoD on 14 August. It confirmed: ‘This contract involves 100% FMS to FMS partner nations and is the result of a sole-source acquisition.’
An initial delivery order for 90 aircraft is worth $4.94 billion, including pre-priced recurring core configuration costs and engineering change proposal costs.
Work on this initial order will be primarily performed in Greenville, South Carolina, for completion by the end of December 2026.
The DoD did not officially disclose the identity of the FMS customers, although it is possible that the latest contract is connected to the Taiwanese procurement of 66 F-16V Viper aircraft. That FMS deal was approved in August 2019.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
