July 9, 2000 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
The government of the United Arab Emirates has given Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company the official go-ahead for the UAE's purchase of 80 new F-16 aircraft.
Artist impression of the new F-16E Block 60 for the UAE.
The program initiation was approved by UAE officials in Abu Dhabi in late June. It follows the UAE Air Force's original selection of the F-16 in May 1998, provisional contract signature this March, and U.S. congressional approval of the sale in late May.
The UAE's version of the F-16 includes significant capability enhancements, including electronic systems and a new radar version supplied by Northrop Grumman. General Electric will provide engines for the aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery from 2004 through 2007.
Development and production of the F-16s will provide more than 100, 000 man-years of employment at U.S. companies across 40 states. Peak employment on the program at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company's site in Fort Worth, Texas, will be about 2, 300.
