Lockheed Martin will establish a new “sustainment depot” for the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet, according to a new 10-year contract. Lockheed will use a Greenville, S.C., operation to maintain and modify F-16 jets, conduct scheduled inspections, provide field support, and address ”time compliance technical orders,” as described by the USAF and Dept. of Defense.
The firm-fixed-price contract has a maximum value of $900 million.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics but long manufactured by Lockheed. The OEM noted it is “uniquely positioned to provide the most comprehensive knowledge of the aircraft and tailored sustainment solutions to optimize the F-16 fleet for greater capability, readiness, and performance.”
A total of 4,588 F-16s have been produced since it was introduced in 1978, and currently the aircraft are operated by 24 countries, in addition to the USAF.
