South Korea to benefit from F-16 upgrades via FMS
The US State Department has approved a potential FMS for an upgrade to Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-16 Block 32 aircraft with Mode 5 IFF and Link 16 Tactical Datalink.
The contract for Lockheed Martin is worth an estimated $194 million.
Included as part of the agreement are ARC-238 radios, AN/APX-126 Combined Interrogator Transponders, Joint Mission Planning (JMPS) upgrades, KY-58M secure voice module, Simple Key Loader (SKL) crypto fill devices, Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL), aircraft ferry support, training, Computer Programme Identification Number System (CPINS), flight manuals, flight tests, integration support and test equipment.
Furthermore, the US government will supply contractors helping with technical, logistical and engineering support.
The upgrade will ensure the interoperability of the ROKAF F-16 fleet with US forces.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
-
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.