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Lockheed Martin receives go-ahead for UAE F-16 program
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.
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.
Artist impression of the new F-16E Block 60 for the UAE. [LMTAS impression]
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.
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