Lockheed Martin to supply F-16s to Pakistan

Karachi, Nov 27: US aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin will supply upgraded 'F-16' jets, C-130 transport planes and upgraded 'P3' Orion surveillance aircraft to the Pakistani armed forces, the company's Middle East and Africa president James Jamerson said.

James said he had discussed the sale with officials from the Pakistani Defence Ministry, and also the country's chief of naval staff and the air chief, on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008. "I have discussed with the naval chief the project to upgrade Orion aircraft," he said, adding that the aircraft would be upgraded in the US and returned to Pakistan soon.

About the supply of F-16 jets, he said, "We are also supplying equipment and parts to Pakistan for F-16s overhauled in Pakistan. Similarly, we are also upgrading F-16s in the US for supply to Pakistan," reported the Daily Times.

James said his company was also upgrading a number of C-130s for the Pakistan Air Force in the US.

ANI