Morocco To Buy 24 F-16 Lockheed Fighter Jets

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $233.6 million supply contract to Lockheed Martin Corp, for 24 F-16 fighter jets commissioned by the Moroccan Air Force.

The contract is part of a government-to-government sale of military equipment.

In a statement, the U.S. Defense contractor said "Morocco will acquire a Block 52 configuration of the F-16C/D aircraft tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF)."

Besides the 24 jets, the $2.4 billion deal also includes mission equipment and a support package such as targeting pods, tactical air reconnaissance systems and electronic warfare suites.

The F-16 is one the most widely used jets by the U.S.

Lockheed describes the F-16 as an advanced fighter jet that could fly day or night in any weather conditions. The jets can fly at twice the speed of sound. It can also be customized to carry rapid-fire cannons, air-to-air missiles, and laser and satellite-guided weapons.