Oman will upgrade software subsystems on its F-16
NewsJanuary 08, 2018
WASHINGTON. State Department officials approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Oman of items and services to support an incremental Operational Flight Profile (OFP) software upgrade for F-16 subsystems, as well as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and secure communications equipment for Mode 5 operations for an estimated cost of $62 million.
The Government of Oman has requested a possible sale on these items for 23 F-16 aircraft. Non-MDE items and services consist of:
- 29 KIV-78 cryptographic/timing modules (23 installed and six spares;
- 29 KY-100M cryptographic radio encryptors (23 installed and six spares);
- 29 AN/APX-126 Combined Interrogator Transponders (23 installed and six spares);
- Classified and Unclassified Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINS) upgrades;
- OFP upgrades for IFF Mode 5 capable systems, Joint Mission Planning (JMPS) upgrade;
- Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod software, service support, support equipment, spares, and training;
The sale also includes systems support and test equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; logistics and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed sale allows the U.S. military to support the Royal Air Force of Oman, further strengthen the U.S.-Omani military-to-military relationship, and ensure continued interoperability of forces and opportunities for bilateral training and exercises with Oman’s military forces.
This proposed sale of items and services will enable Oman’s 23 F-16s currently using Mode 4 IFF to become interoperable on Mode 4/5. Mode 5 IFF allows U.S. and partner airborne and surface armed forces to conduct complimentary air operations. Incremental OFP software upgrades required to support Mode 5 will provide additional incremental improvement for other associated F-16 subsystems.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin of Fort Worth, Texas.
