Country Also Commits To 100 F-35s

Fort Worth, TX-based defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced Wednesday it won a $635 million contract from the US government to upgrade Turkey's fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

Under the long-term contract, which runs into 2016, Lockheed will supply 216 modernization kits to upgrade the Turkish Air Force fleet of 216 F-16C and F-16D aircraft. The company will also provide testing and training help on the upgraded fighters.

The Associated Press reports this latest contract is an extension of an agreement signed in July 2005.

"This is a big day for Turkey and for our F-16 program," said Lockheed Martin Vice President Willy Moore.

The Turkish Press reports the country's F-16s were jointly assembled in Fort Worth, and Tusas Aerospace Industries in Turkey. Those facilities will also handle the upgrade work.

In addition to the F-16 upgrade agreement, Turkey also resolved to buy 100 F-35 Lightning II advanced fighters. The first F-35s are due to be delivered to Turkey in 2014.

To fill that gap, Turkey will also purchase 50 new F-16 Block 50 aircraft, according to media reports.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com