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
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
