Israel signed an amendment to a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) with the U.S. government for 52 more Lockheed Martin F-16I fighters on September 4.

This agreement follows the announcement at the Paris Air Show in June of Israel's intent to exercise an option for more F-16s. These aircraft are in addition to the 50 F-16I aircraft ordered in January 2000 and were an option to that order.

The agreement covers aircraft, logistics support and training, and U.S. government program management and services under the Foreign Military Sales arrangement. Total program value for the option is approximately $2 billion, and Lockheed Martin's portion is approximately $1.3 billion for only the aircraft.

"Israel's sixth acquisition of F-16s demonstrates their continued confidence in the F-16I to satisfy their future defense needs," said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This option extends the F-16 production base to 2009, which not only provides a base for future F-16 sales, but also provides a solid bridge to the possible JSF production at our Fort Worth facility."

The F-16I aircraft are of the same two-seat configuration as the original Peace Marble V program. Many of the electronic systems are being developed and produced in Israel. The aircraft will be powered by the F100-PW-229 engine.

Production deliveries of the optional aircraft will dovetail with those of the original Peace Marble V program.

This is Israel's sixth acquisition of F-16s, and it possesses the largest fleet of F-16s outside the United States.

There have now been 47 follow-on buys of new F-16s by 14 countries.

The F-16, the world's most sought-after fighter, is the choice of 23 countries, counting Italy's lease of USAF F-16s and announcements by Chile and Oman earlier this year. More than 4,000 aircraft have been delivered; hundreds more will be delivered to Egypt, the United States, Israel, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Korea and Singapore; and production is expected to continue beyond 2010. Major upgrades for all F-16 versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable over the aircraft's long service life.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-22, F-16, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3 and U-2. The company leads a team competing for the development and production of the Joint Strike Fighter.

LM Aeronautics is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp. , headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company