The Air Force has awarded Raytheon a contract to upgrade F-16 mission computer systems, according to a company press release. The Modular Mission Computer Upgrade will allow F-16s to operate almost like a fifth-generation aircraft in some areas, such as data processing speed and memory capacity. The new F-16 system can also be further expanded to include fifth-generation sensors and weapons systems. “The new mission computer is a game changer for the F-16,” said Josh Cobbs, program manager at Raytheon, in the release. “The brain of the F-16, this mission computer, can process more information faster, allowing the pilot to put weapons on targets with greater reliability.”
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
