The Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $835 million contract for 18 F-16 Block 52 aircraft for the Iraqi air force, announced the Defense Department on Monday. Under a foreign military sales arrangement, Iraq will receive 12 F-16Cs and six two-seat F-16Ds to reconstitute its fledgling air arm’s fighter force. The first Iraqi F-16 pilots already are undergoing training in the United States. Arrival of the first Iraqi F-16 is not expected before late 2013, USAF officials have said. Lockheed, which builds the F-16 in Fort Worth, Tex., also will provide support equipment and logistics support under the terms of this contract. Iraqi officials have said they are interested in up to 36 F-16s. (Monday’s list of major DOD contracts)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.