Air Force To Award Radar Upgrade For Tulsa-Based F-16s

The Air Force will award a contract Thursday to upgrade the radar of select F-16 jets, including eight stationed at the Air National Guard base at Tulsa International Airport.

The announcement from Oklahoma Congressman Jim Brindenstine says the new Active Electronically Steered Array [AESA] radar will enable smaller target detection, greater targeting range and the ability to engage multiple targets.

“This considerably enhances the capability of Tulsa's F-16s, allowing for targeting at extended ranges to improve lethality against our enemies and survivability for ourselves.  I have proposed increased spending for these systems in the current National Defense Authorization Act,” said Congressman Bridenstine. 

The Air Force contract is with Northrop Grumman for 72 AESA radars, spares and support services.   Delivery of the first radar is expected to be in December 2018.