24 Aircraft Included In The Package

Lockheed Martin plans to sell two dozen F-16 fighters to Egypt, according to a spokesman for the company. The proposed sale reportedly agreed to by the U.S. and Egyptian governments is worth approximately $3.2 billion and should be finalized next year.

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"We understand that the governments of the United States and Egypt have reached an agreement over a contract for military sale to provide 24 F-16s to Egypt," Lockheed spokesman Joe Stout told the international news service AFP.

Defense industry reports indicate that Egypt is the 4th largest operator of F-16's in the world, They began flying the aircraft in 1982, after years of fielding Soviet-era fighter jets.

Lockheed says it has built more than 4,300 F-16s for 25 countries. "Continuous technology enhancements and a very clear path for upgrades and global sustainment have allowed the F-16 to perform as a comprehensive weapon system with over 14 million flight hours proving its safety and reliability." John Larson, vice president and general manager of F-16 Programs, said earlier this year. "We've built more F-16s outside the United States making the F-16 the largest multinational production program in history," he said.

Stout told AFP that the 24 jet addition to Egypt's existing fleet of F-16's has been discussed by the two governments for "some time," but official notice was not sent to the U.S. Congress until October, 2009.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com