Turkey signs contract for F-16 fleet modernisation

Turkey's defence ministry has signed contracts worth $240 million to modernise 165 of its Lockheed Martin F-16s and to acquire a further four simulators to support operations of the type.Ankara's Block 30 and 40 F-16C/Ds will be modified to Lockheed's Block 50 standard at the Turkish air force's 1st Supply and Maintenance Centre at Eskisehir air base. Supported by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the work will also add new-generation targeting pods to part of the fleet.The new simulators will be manufactured by Havelsan and installed at the air force's Ankara Akinci, Balikesir, Bandirma and Diyarbakir bases. The company has also secured deals within recent months to produce and upgrade simulators for the service's Korea Aerospace Industries KT-1 and Northrop T-38 trainers, and for the army's Eurocopter AS532 Cougar transport helicopters.

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