S.Korean F-16 Jets to receive Identification Friend or Foe & Link 16 Upgrades

The United States has given the go-ahead to upgrade South Korean F-16 fighter jets with Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and Link 16 Tactical Datalink (TDL) and related equipment for $194 million.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea to upgrade its F-16 Block 32 aircraft with Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and Link 16 Tactical Datalink (TDL) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $194 million," Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement Monday.

An IFF system enables an aircraft's radar to discriminate friendly aircraft from that of hostile ones; advanced IFF systems can also determine an aircraft’s bearing and speed. IFFs contribute to the prevention of friendly fire incidents and enhance command and control for large fleets of aircraft.

The Republic of Korea has also requested ARC-238 radios; AN/APX-126 Combined Interrogator Transponders; Joint Mission Planning (JMPS) upgrade; KY-58M secure voice module; Simple Key Loader (SKL) crypto fill devices; Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL); aircraft ferry support; training; Computer Program Identification Number System (CPINS); flight manuals; flight tests; integration support and test equipment; US Government and contractor, engineering, technical and logistics support services; sustainment and other support equipment; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD.  There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.  Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the Purchaser and the prime contractor.