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Netherlands orders Sniper targeting pods for F-16s

Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods from Lockheed Martin are being supplied to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

By Richard Tomkins
A Sniper targeting pod attached to a U.S. Air Force B-1 bomber. U.S. Air Force photo.
A Sniper targeting pod attached to a U.S. Air Force B-1 bomber. U.S. Air Force photo.

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The Royal Netherlands Air Force is to equip its fleet of F-16 aircraft with Sniper advanced targeting pods from Lockheed Martin.

A contract for 29 of the multi-mission systems was issued through the Netherlands Defense Materiel Organization and includes support equipment, training and sustainment.

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"Expedited delivery will enable the Royal Netherlands Air Force to rapidly deploy Sniper ATP to support current mission requirements," said Rich Lovette, director of Sniper international programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Maintaining a high availability rate through our award-winning sustainment program will also ensure the Sniper ATPs remain operational for warfighters."

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver the pods early next year. It will also provide sustainment support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force through a Performance-Based Logistics program.

Depot repairs will be performed at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex through Lockheed Martin's partnership with the U.S. government.

The Sniper ATP detects, identifies, tracks and laser-designates small tactical targets at long ranges and supports the use of laser- and GPS-guided weapons.

The U.S. Air Force uses the Sniper system on its fighter and bomber fleets.

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