The U.S. government has awarded an initial $78 million as part of a $144 million contract to Lockheed Martin for long-lead tasks related to the production of 18 new Advanced Block 52 F-16 aircraft for Pakistan.

"This is another great day for the F-16 program and for our customer. We remain committed to providing Pakistan with the most technologically advanced and proven fighter available on the international market today," said June Shrewsbury, vice president, Lockheed Martin F-16 programs. "The F-16s we will deliver to Pakistan will join a fleet of over 4,300 aircraft representing more than 24 countries, with 51 follow-on buys, by 14 repeat customers, each who have relied on the Fighting Falcon as a key component of their national defense and fighter force structure."

Earlier this year, the governments of Pakistan and the United States signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) agreeing to the purchase of 18 Block 52 F-16s. The LOA provides Pakistan an option for an additional 18 aircraft.

The new aircraft will modernize the existing Pakistan Air Force fleet, bringing a robust and versatile defensive capability to the nation's military. The final Pakistan F-16 under this contract will be delivered in 2010.

Shrewsbury continued, "Our company and employees take great pride in producing and sustaining the F-16 for many years to come. We value our longstanding relationship with the government of Pakistan and the confidence they have placed in the F-16 in support of their nation's security."

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company