Lockheed Martin to produce, upgrade Sniper ATPs for Pakistan Air Force's F-16s

NEW DELHI: Pakistan has decided to upgrade its F-16 fleet, the backbone of its air force, with assistance from the US. The move isn't likely to go down well with India, keeping in mind the military balance in South Asia, analysts said.

It has been learnt that the Pakistan Air Force has sent a follow-on foreign military sale contract to US defence major Lockheed Martin to produce and upgrade Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) 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, according to reports in the Pakistani media. Pakistan is understood to possess more than 75 F-16s in its fleet.

Deliveries will begin late this year to satisfy Pakistan's urgent operational needs, according to a report in Pakistan's English Daily Express Tribune. 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 Pak Air Force a more robust precision targeting capability..."