“The arrival of the jets is a major milestone for our entire team and a historic occasion for both our company and the industry,” says John Bean, vice president and general manager of Global Fighter Programs at BAE Systems. “Our long-term goal is to offer future customers sophisticated aircraft upgrades with an innovative systems integration approach, providing cost-effective solutions to meet each customer’s unique requirements while reducing their long-term sustainment costs.”
Under terms negotiated by the Republic of Korea Air Force and the U.S. government, the company is performing Phase One of the KF-16 program, which also includes associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support. Phase Two will begin this year and will fund completion of the systems integration and flight test activities, followed by production and installation of the upgrades.
The work to upgrade the KF-16 fleet will be performed primarily at BAE Systems’ facility in Fort Worth. Other company sites in Florida, New York, California, and Virginia will also be involved.
BAE Systems expects to hire approximately 150 additional employees over the next few months. Job opportunities are available in the areas of advanced mission computers, advanced radar, avionics, and weapons and systems integration at www.baesystems.com/fighterprograms.
