Linthicum Heights, Maryland — Northrop Grumman has received a $79.6 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to continue supplying AESA radars for its F-16 fighter fleet. Announced on November 13, 2026, the award increases the contract's cumulative value from $1.98 billion to $2.061 billion.
The full $79.6 million has been obligated, including approximately $65.4 million from procurement budgets for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027. The remaining $14.2 million will support research, development, testing and evaluation. Work will take place at Northrop Grumman's facility in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, with completion expected by December 31, 2027.
AN/APG-83 AESA Radar for F-16
The contract covers the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), which replaces the older mechanically scanned AN/APG-68 radar.
Unlike the previous system, the APG-83 uses electronically controlled transmit-receive modules to steer radar beams without moving the antenna. This enables rapid target tracking, simultaneous tracking of multiple airborne threats and high-resolution ground mapping through Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
The radar incorporates technology from Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-77 and AN/APG-81 systems used on the F-22 and F-35. It is designed to fit inside the existing F-16 nose without requiring structural, power supply or cooling system modifications.
F-16 Modernization Program
The program began in 2017 after U.S. Northern Command requested improved radar capabilities to detect smaller radar-cross-section threats, including cruise missiles. The Air Force initially awarded a $243.9 million order for 72 radars for Air National Guard F-16s. These aircraft completed the upgrade by 2022.
In December 2019, the Air Force expanded the contract by approximately $1 billion to cover up to 372 radars. Subsequent modifications increased its value to $1.51 billion in April 2023, $1.68 billion in March 2025 and $1.84 billion in June 2026.
The radar is also a central component of the $6.3 billion Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT) modernization program, which targets 608 Block 40/42 and Block 50/52 F-16s. The wider upgrade includes up to 22 modifications per aircraft.
The 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, became the first active-duty U.S. Air Force unit to receive F-16s with the upgraded radar in early 2022. However, the original contract ceiling of 372 radars remains below the 608-aircraft modernization target. The Air Force has not disclosed the exact number of radars covered by the current contract valuation.
Northrop Grumman Delivers 1,000th APG-83 Radar
Northrop Grumman reached another production milestone on May 19, 2026, when it delivered its 1,000th APG-83 radar from its Baltimore production facility.
Production supports U.S. Air Force modernization requirements and international customers. The APG-83 is also standard equipment on newly manufactured F-16 Block 70 and Block 72 fighters.
The latest $79.6 million award will support continued radar production and development through the end of 2027.
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