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| KF-16 |
By Kang Seung-woo
Korea has finalized an agreement with the U.S. government for BAE Systems to perform upgrades and systems integration for its fleet of over 130 F-16 aircraft, the British defense firm announced Tuesday.
The upgrade work will be carried out through a foreign military sales program.
The London-based company was chosen over Lockheed Martin, the maker of the jets, in August 2012 as the primary contractor to upgrade the 130-plus F-16 C and D variants.
"When we were chosen by the Republic of Korea last year, it demonstrated to the world that we are a viable and experienced provider of F-16 upgrades and systems integration," said Erin Moseley, president of BAE Systems' Support Solutions sector.
"This signed agreement shows that we are capable of developing cost-effective modernization solutions, customized to meet any country's requirements."
Under terms negotiated by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, BAE Systems will upgrade about 130 KF-16C and D Block 52 aircraft to include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
According to the world's third-largest defense and aerospace company, phase one of the work will begin immediately and will involve the initial design and development of the upgrade program. Phase two of the agreement, once approved, will begin next year and will involve completion of the production and installation of the upgrade kits in all of the warplanes.
The work to upgrade the KF-16 fleet will be performed primarily at BAE Systems' facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Company sites in Florida, New York, San Diego and Virginia will also be involved.
Korea, Singapore and Taiwan are among the countries seeking to modernize their aging single-engine fighter jets, by installing new radar systems, communications gear and displays in the coming years.
The KF-16 upgrade is one of the nation's major fighter projects, along with the fighter jet requirement and indigenous fighter development programs.
