The U.S. government approved the sale of $4.2 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Jordan

China Aviation News Network News: According to defensenews, the US government recently confirmed that it has approved the sale of 16 F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to Jordan, worth up to $4.21 billion.

The U.S. State Department has also approved a possible additional sale of air defense system spare parts and repair parts to the United Arab Emirates for a total value of up to $65 million, as well as a potential additional sale of $23.7 million worth of data and voice communications systems to Saudi Arabia.

Jordan wants to buy up to 12 F-16C and 4 F-16D fighter jets, all for the Block 70, and 21 F100 engines, manufactured by General Electric or Pratt & Whitney, five of which will be spare engines. Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractor for the deal.

Related equipment includes numerous weapons and systems for armed fighters, such as six AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Aiming Pods, 72 LAU-129 missile orbital launchers, 21 M61A1 Vulcan cannons, 100 KMU-556 Joint Direct Attack Munition Tail Kits for 2000 lb GBU-31 bombs, 102 KGMU-572 JDAM Tail Kits for 500 lb Laser JDAM GBU-54 bombs, 200 MK-84 or BLU-117 or equivalent bomb bodies, 204 MK-82 or BLU-111 or equivalent bomb bodies, ammunition, smoke grenades and magazines.

Jordan also wants to purchase 31 Link 16 low-capacity terminals for aircraft and ground stations, radars, mission computers, GPS navigation systems with anti-spoofing modules and multiple other equipment.

The deal means nearly 20 U.S. contractors will be assigned to Jordan for a three-year period to provide on-site logistical support.

The State Department said the sale of fighter jets would help modernize the Jordanian Air Force and ensure that its military can continue to work effectively with the U.S. and coalition forces to achieve common goals, such as fighting terrorism or other violent extremist groups.