The State Department has approved a possible $62 million deal with Oman to support operational flight profile software upgrades for its F-16 fleet.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on Jan. 5 of the foreign military sale (FMS), which also includes Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) command and control systems updates and Mode 5 secure communications equipment.
“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,” the DSCA said in a statement.
Oman has also requested 29 KIV-78 cryptographic/timing modules, 29 KY-100M cryptographic radio encryptors, 29 AN/APX-126 Combined Interrogator Transponders, and Classified and Unclassified Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINS) upgrades.
The upgrades will enable Oman’s 23 F-16s to upgrade its Mode 4 IFF systems to be interoperable on Mode 5. The enhanced IFF allows Oman to conduct complimentary air operations with partner forces.
The prime contractor for the deal is Lockheed Martin [LMT] in Fort Worth, Texas.