State Department approves $60M for training of Jordanian F-16 pilots

Norman Graf

State Department approves $60M for training of Jordanian F-16 pilots - UPI.com

By Christen McCurdy

Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft fighter pilots fly alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while waiting to connect for fuel over Jordan in 2009. Photo by Caycee Cook/U.S. Air Force

Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The State Department has approved a possible $60 million deal for an F-16 Air Combat Training Center and related equipment, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday.

According to the DSCA, the government of Jordan has asked to buy an F-16 Air Combat Training Center and related equipment, which includes full mission trainers, combat tactics trainers, instructor/operator stations, tactical environment simulators and brief/debrief stations, as well as technical support and documentation.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the DSCA's announcement said.

The DSCA's announcement also said the sale would "improve Jordan's capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring Jordan's pilots are effectively trained, which will contribute to the U.S.-Jordan lasting partnership and ensure the country's stability, a critical element to broader U.S. regional policy goals."

The principal contractor for the deal would be Lockheed Martin Corporation Rotary & Mission Systems in Orlando, Fla.

If the sale goes through, two Lockheed Martin contractor representatives will be installed for two years for training.

In 2016, the State Department approved a $115.1 million deal with Jordan for repair of F-16 engines.

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