DSCA announces the United Arab EmiratesÂ’s official export request for “equipment in support of a Direct Commercial Sale of F-16 Block 61 Aircraft and associated equipment, parts, [and] supportÂ….” The DCS purchase doesnÂ’t have to be announced, but this Foreign Military Sale process confirms that they will buy up to 30 F-16 E/F “Block 61″ aircraft. The new block number appears to involve a set of small component upgrades over the existing Block 60s, which will be upgraded to the same standard. The UAEÂ’s request includes:
40 20mm M61A Guns
40 Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems
Identification Friend or Foe Equipment
Unspecified “night vision devices”
Joint Mission Planning System
Cartridge Activated Device/Propellant Activated Devices,
generally used in association with armament hard points
and defensive decoys.
Unspecified “Weapons Integration”
F110-GE-132 International Engine Management Program-
Component Improvement Program
Site surveys, necessary for the required facilities
expansions
Ferry maintenance and services, incl. aerial refueling
support
Plus spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment;
personnel training and training equipment; publications
and technical documentation; and other forms of US
Government and contractor support.
www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-uaes-f-16-block-60-desert-falcon-fleet-04538/