Lockheed Martin to upgrade Pakistan's F-16 fleet

Contract includes upgrade of Pakistan’s existing 22 Sniper ATPs as well as the production of 15 new Sniper ATPs


Web Desk July 15, 2015
PHOTO: AP

Pakistan Air Force has sent a follow-on foreign military sale contract to Lockheed Martin to produce and upgrade Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) for its F-16 fleet.

The contract includes the upgrade of Pakistan’s existing 22 Sniper ATPs as well as the production of 15 new Sniper ATPs.

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Delivery will begin late in 2015 to satisfy Pakistan’s urgent operational needs. Upgrades will also begin in late 2015 and they will increase compatibility with the aircraft and enable enhanced features.

"Sniper ATP has supported the Pakistan Air Force's mission since 2010," said Rich Lovette, Sniper international programme director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Additional Sniper ATPs and upgrades will give the Pakistan Air Force a more robust precision targetting capability to support the nation's security requirements."

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Sniper ATP enables pilots to have high-resolution imagery for precision targetting, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It also detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser designates small tactical targets at long ranges. Apart from that, it also enables the use of all laser and GPS-guided weapons against various fixed and moving targets.

Further, Sniper ATP can be operated on multiple platforms, including US Air Force and multi-national F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1 and B-52 aircraft.

This article originally appeared on Market Watch

COMMENTS (5)

Tania | 8 years ago | Reply This is quite significant that Lockheed Martin involved in upgrading Pakistan's F-16 fleet. This is one of the major requirements of Pakistan Aerial defence especially when confronted with hostile next door neighborhood. Like very recently, Pakistan dropped down Indian drone which violated Pakistani territory in order to have the aerial photography. Pakistan must upgrade its military items at advanced level in order to counter the Indian continued aggression against Pakistan.
Yonian | 8 years ago | Reply @Woz Ahmed: Next generation is by definition young, and see no reason to worry about health. Neither did most enjoy education. "Dont't worry, be happy!"
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