The United States government awarded Lockheed Martin an Undefinitized Contract Authorization (UCA) for the production of 24 Advanced F-16 Block 52 aircraft for Morocco, making the Kingdom of Morocco the 25th nation to select the F-16.

Morocco will acquire a Block 52 configuration of the F-16C/D aircraft tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF). The sale will include the aircraft, mission equipment and a support package provided by Lockheed Martin and other U.S. and international contractors. The new aircraft will supplement the RMAF's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the RMAF.

Lockheed Martin is being awarded a contract totaling $233.6 million to begin production of 24 aircraft, along with associated support equipment, alternate mission equipment and other support elements for Morocco. This effort will support the Foreign Military Sales program for Morocco.

"We are pleased the Royal Moroccan Air Force selected the F-16 to modernize its fighter force and look forward to working with them as the newest member of the F-16 family," said John Larson, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' F-16 program. "The F-16 provides the Kingdom of Morocco with the world's most affordable and technologically advanced multirole fighter available today, with the added benefit of interoperability with the U.S. Air Force and many other air forces."

The F-16 provides advanced technology and capability across all missions, and its operations and maintenance costs for the life of the aircraft are the best value available today. Operating day and night in all environments and weather, the F-16 remains the safest multirole fighter in U.S. Air Force history. The F-16 will continue to be the backbone of the U.S. Air Force for many years to come, assuring proven support and sustainment throughout the life of Morocco's F-16 program.

The Moroccan announcement adds to the F-16's reputation as the world's most sought-after multi-role fighter. More than 4,400 F-16 aircraft have been delivered to date and production is expected to continue beyond 2012, with major upgrades being incorporated for all F-16 versions.

More than 4,400 aircraft have been delivered worldwide from assembly lines in five countries. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries. Major upgrades to all F-16 versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable over the aircraft's long service life.

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 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corp.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin