Lockheed Martin wins Turkish F-16 contract

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FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has won a $187 million order for long-lead tasks as part of a $1.1 billion contract for 30 new 50 F-16 aircraft for Turkey.

"This is a great day for Lockheed Martin and a testament to the commitment we have made to the government of Turkey. We remain committed to providing our customer with the most technologically advanced multi-role fighter available today," said John Larson, vice president, Lockheed Martin F-16 programs. "This marks the 52nd follow-on buy of F-16s by 14 repeat customers. The aircraft we will deliver to Turkey will join the fleet of over 4,300 F-16s representing 24 nations."

"The new aircraft will supplement the Turkish Air Force's existing fleet of F-16s and contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the TUAF," Lockheed Martin said in a statement. "The new aircraft include the same advanced systems being installed on Turkey's existing F-16 fleet as part of an on-going upgrade program.

"At the conclusion of these two programs all Turkish F-16s will be in a common, state-of-the-art configuration," the company said. "The final Turkish F-16 under this contract will be delivered in 2013.

"Our company and employees take great pride in producing and sustaining the F-16 and look forward to doing so for many years to come," Larson said. "We value our partnership with the government of Turkey and the confidence they have placed in the F-16 in support of their nation's security."

Although Turkey is now governed by a coalition government led by an Islamist party, it remains a member of the U.S.-led NATO alliance, and relations with Washington remain very close.