Lockheed limbo in Lima? Firm says Peru is buying F-16s, but questions remain
Peru's interim president indicated the deal was on hold, as the US Embassy in Lima insists at least part of it has already been signed.
Peru's interim president indicated the deal was on hold, as the US Embassy in Lima insists at least part of it has already been signed.
The defense contractor is also making a play to dislodge Northrop Grumman as the supplier for US Air Force F-16 EW kits.
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
The announcement marks the first official partnership for GE on a drone wingman platform.
The former head of Air Combat Command will now lead the Air Force as its next top uniformed officer, following the surprise retirement of Gen. David Allvin.
A congressionally mandated review of the Air Force’s fighter force obtained by Breaking Defense finds that as many as 1,558 combat-ready jets are needed to fulfill global obligations, requiring greater procurement of aircraft like the F-15EX and F-35.
Breaking Defense previously reported that former Air Combat Command chief Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach was a frontrunner to replace outgoing Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin.
Pål Jonson made it clear that the potential acquisition “depends” on the Ukraine war ending, but Stockholm is also "open" to discussing sending older planes sooner.
Lockheed Martin will serve as the primary contractor for the modernization effort, valued at approximately $3.8 billion, and will partner with local supplier Military Aviation Works No. 2 in Bydgoszcz to perform the upgrade work in-country.
The company’s helmet-mounted ATARS system can project images of adversary threats like enemy jets for real pilots flying in a cockpit.
"Our goal is for Poland to be among the top three NATO countries in terms of operational capabilities," said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defense.
The momentum toward an order builds off Turkish Minister of National Defence, Yasar Güler initially revealing in 2023 that talks were underway to buy 40 aircraft.
The approved package, which covers 16 F-16C Block 70/72 jets and four F-16B Block 70/72 fighters, comes just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manilla and pledged greater defense ties between the two countries.
An on-the-ground look at the 2025 Avalon Air Show in Australia.
"The US Air Force needs to rethink its approach to procurement before it’s too late," write Col. Maximilian K. Bremer and Kelly A. Grieco in this op-ed.