The US government has awarded Lockheed Martin $213 million for the production of 16 F- 16Cs and 4 F-16D’s new Advanced Block 52 aircraft for the Egyptian Air Force.

The Pentagon last October told the US congress, Egypt had asked for 24 more of the fighter jets.

Egypt was the first Arab country to purchaseF-16s through a Foreign Military Sales program called Peace Vector. The Egyptian Air Force received a total of 42 F-16s in its first order in 1980 and since then has purchased five more lots of aircraft, for a total of 240 F-16 Fighting Falcons.

"This is a great day for Lockheed Martin and a testament to the enduring partnership and commitment we have made to the government of Egypt. We remain committed to providing our customer with a proven, advanced 4th Generation multirole fighter," said John Larson, vice president, Lockheed Martin F-16 programs. "This marks the 53rd follow-on buy of F-16s by 14 repeat customers. The aircraft we will deliver to Egypt will join the fleet of more than 4,400 F-16s representing 25 nations."

The order further includes 16 F-16Cs and 4 F-16Ds, and will supplement the Egyptian Air Force's (EAF) existing fleet of F-16s and the US agency adds the proposed sale will allow the EAF to modernise its “aging air force” by acquiring new fighter aircraft, thereby enabling it to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations.

Egypt has requested 24 fighters installed with either the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines and APG-68(V) 9 radars.

The final F-16 under this contract will be delivered in 2013.

Pic: F16 fighter jet