The Pentagon announced Tuesday a plans to extend the service life of the F-5 Tiger II fighter aircraft.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on 12 February, Northrop Grumman has been awarded Air Warfare Systems Command order for enhancements are designed to extend the service life of 44 Navy and Marine Corps Reserve F-5N/F aircraft.
Northrop Grumman is awarded $16,8 million modification to a previously awarded contract that provides aircraft inspections, repairs, overhauls, emergency repairs, modifications, engineering support and procurement of structural components required for the operation and sustainment of the F-5N/F aircraft.
Work is expected to be completed in September 2019, according to a Defense Department report.
The F-5 was developed by Northrop Grumman for export through the Military Assistance Program (MAP) in February 1965. This aircraft was initially offered as a candidate for a U.S. lightweight fighter, but became extremely popular as an export finding its niche in the overseas market.
The F-5N is a single seat, twin-engine, tactical fighter and attack aircraft providing simulated air-to-air combat training manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corporation. The F-5F is a dual-seat version, tactical fighter commonly used for training and adversary combat tactics. The aircraft serves in an aggressor-training role with simulation capability of current threat aircraft in fighter combat mode.