Turkey to upgrade F-16 fleet

The governments of the

and

have signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the systems upgrade of Turkish F-16 aircraft at an estimated total value of $1.1 billion.

Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor for the program, which will create a common avionics configuration for Turkey’s fleets of F-16 aircraft.

“This program is based on a similar approach by the US Air Force; therefore, much of the design and development effort has already been accomplished, and our task will be to address unique aspects of the Turkish configuration,” commented June Shrewsbury, vice president, F-16 programs.

The Turkish configuration includes new core avionics processors, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, advanced interrogator/transponders, integrated precision navigation and compatibility with a number of new weapons and targeting systems.

“The commonality with the F-16s of the USAF and other allies allows for interoperability in coalition operations as well as logistics advantages,” said Shrewsbury. “Finally, the aircraft modifications are being performed by TUSAS Aerospace Industries, which will help sustain the Turkish industrial base.”

The estimated LOA value includes components provided by the worldwide F-16 supplier team. The estimated value of Lockheed Martin’s portion is about $800 million, and tasks include technical assistance for kit installation, upgrades to pilot training systems, logistics support and training.