BAE Systems to support international F-16 fleet
BAE Systems has received an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract from the US Air Force (USAF) with a value of up to $600 million to supply the international fleet of F-16 aircraft with support equipment, across more than 25 countries, through to the end of 2031.
Image courtesy BAE Systems
The 10-year contract includes training, engineering support, specialised test equipment and more than 1,200 support equipment items to ensure the availability of the F-16 fleet, one of the most versatile multi-role fighter jets.
“BAE Systems is a world leader in developing specialised test system products for the F-16. We also manage the full complement of support equipment required to ensure availability of the aircraft for the US Air Force and allied forces,” said Meg Redlin, director of Mission Systems at BAE Systems. “Our test product and support team ensures that all variants of this critical fighter are maintained through its lifecycle, optimising operations.”
The contract will ensure support equipment for the fleet of F-16 aircraft in more than 25 countries through 2031. From Boresighting avionics testing and vehicle management system tests to aircraft power, hydraulics, and electrical systems support, BAE Systems’ comprehensive approach is a key enabler for F-16 sustainment worldwide. The company will enhance aircraft supportability, reduce the logistics footprint and minimise life cycle cost through the contract, which includes obsolescence management, logistics and sustainment and on-base support and depot development.
BAE Systems also provides the I-level avionics test systems and supports the USM-464/638 for the USAF and F-16 international users. The support equipment development and management will be operated out of the company’s Fort Worth, Texas location. In all, the company has delivered more than 100,000 support equipment and test systems.