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
-
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.