Defense & Military
ATAC Awarded Contract for F16 Chase Services Supporting Greenville Production
Textron’s ATAC wins $7.82M contract to provide F-16 chase fighter services for Lockheed Martin’s Greenville F-16 production line.
Introduction
The awarding of a $7.82 million contract to Textron Systems’ Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) for F-16 chase fighter jet services marks a significant development in the evolution of private sector support for military aviation. This contract, spanning up to 27 months, is not only notable for its financial value but also for its role in supporting the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 production line in Greenville, South Carolina. The contract underscores the broader trend of outsourcing specialized military functions to private contractors and highlights the increasing complexity and importance of chase aircraft operations in modern defense manufacturing and testing.
As the only active F-16 production line in the world, Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility is central to U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs, supplying advanced Block 70/72 F-16 variants to countries such as Bahrain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Taiwan. The integration of ATAC’s chase flight services into this process reflects the growing reliance on private expertise to ensure safety, quality assurance, and efficient delivery of high-value defense assets. Understanding the strategic, operational, and industry-wide implications of this contract is essential for appreciating the shifting landscape of military aviation support.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of ATAC’s F-16 chase services contract, examining its financial structure, operational requirements, company capabilities, and broader significance within the defense industry. It also explores the future outlook for contracted air services and the global defense market, drawing on verified data and expert insights to present a balanced, fact-based perspective.
Contract Overview and Financial Analysis
The ATAC contract is structured as a task order under the Combat Air Forces Contracted Air Services (CAF CAS) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, valued at $7.82 million over a period of up to 27 months. This arrangement allows the DCMA to access flexible, contractor-owned and contractor-operated (COCO) chase aircraft services specifically tailored to support F-16 FMS operations at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility. The contract includes both a base period and optional extensions, offering scalability to match production demands and delivery schedules.
The use of the IDIQ contract model reflects the Department of Defense’s (DoD) broader shift toward performance-based, scalable contracting for specialized aviation support. By leveraging private sector capabilities, the DoD can avoid the costs and logistical complexities of maintaining dedicated government-owned chase aircraft and crews. This approach not only provides cost predictability but also ensures that services can be rapidly adjusted in response to changing production rates and operational priorities.
Flight operations under this contract are scheduled to begin in August 2025, aligning with anticipated F-16 production timelines. The COCO model places both the operational and financial responsibility for aircraft and crews on ATAC, reducing government overhead while capitalizing on ATAC’s specialized expertise. This mature contracting practice is increasingly common in defense aviation, where technical complexity and safety requirements demand highly experienced operators and purpose-built platforms.
ATAC Company Profile and Operational Capabilities
ATAC, a subsidiary of Textron Systems, is recognized as a global leader in tactical airborne training and support services. With a fleet exceeding 100 tactical jets and over 105,000 flight hours of operational experience, ATAC has established a robust reputation for safety, reliability, and mission effectiveness. Over its 30-year history, the company has pioneered many of the standards now prevalent in the contracted air services industry.
The company’s aircraft inventory includes modernized Dassault Mirage F1s, Hawker Hunter Mk.58s, Israeli Kfirs, and L-39 Albatros trainers, all equipped to match the performance of frontline military fighters. These platforms are well-suited for chase missions, which require the ability to operate at high speeds and altitudes alongside advanced fighter aircraft. ATAC’s investment in fleet modernization and advanced sensor integration enables it to meet the demanding requirements of both adversary air training and chase support roles.
Textron Systems, ATAC’s parent company, reported $1.2 billion in revenue for 2024, highlighting the scale and strategic importance of this business segment within Textron Inc. ATAC’s operational reach spans up to 25 air bases annually, including international locations, and its longstanding relationships with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force enhance its credibility and operational flexibility. The company’s expansion into chase aircraft services, including previous support for F-35 operations at Fort Worth, demonstrates its adaptability and growing expertise in research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) missions.
“ATAC’s extensive fleet and operational experience position it uniquely to provide specialized chase aircraft services for critical military aviation programs.”
F-16 Production Context and Foreign Military Sales Program
The relocation of F-16 production from Fort Worth, Texas, to Greenville, South Carolina, marked a pivotal shift in the program’s history. The Greenville facility, operational since 1984, became the sole active F-16 production line in 2019, focusing on Block 70/72 variants for international customers. This move was driven by the need to optimize facility utilization, as Fort Worth transitioned to exclusive F-35 production.
Initial production in Greenville began with the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s F-16, and the facility has since ramped up to a production rate of up to four aircraft per month at full capacity. Customers include Bahrain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Taiwan, and others, with total program value reaching approximately $14 billion for 128 aircraft through 2026. The FMS program, managed by the U.S. government, facilitates these international sales, supporting broader U.S. foreign policy and security objectives.
The F-16’s enduring appeal lies in its proven performance, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. The Block 70/72 variants incorporate advanced avionics, radar, and electronic warfare systems, making them competitive with newer platforms while offering lower acquisition and sustainment costs. Each F-16 sale under the FMS program represents not only an equipment transfer but also the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships between the U.S. and its allies.
Chase Aircraft Operations and Technical Requirements
Chase aircraft play a critical role in the safety and quality assurance of newly manufactured fighter jets. During first flights and product assurance missions, chase planes provide visual monitoring for anomalies such as leaks or abnormal performance, capture high-resolution video and photographic documentation, and maintain real-time communications with ground control and test pilots.
For F-16 production in Greenville, ATAC’s chase aircraft will accompany Block 70/72 variants on their initial flights, which are among the most technically challenging and risk-intensive operations. The specialized nature of these missions demands highly experienced pilots and aircraft capable of matching the F-16’s speed and maneuverability. ATAC’s supersonic-capable fleet, modernized for test support, is well-suited to these requirements.
Technical demands extend to communication systems, onboard instrumentation, and advanced data recording capabilities. Chase pilots must possess deep familiarity with F-16 systems and be able to identify and respond to in-flight anomalies. ATAC’s previous experience supporting F-35 chase operations provides additional assurance of its capability to meet these stringent requirements.
“Chase aircraft operations are essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of high-value military assets during critical test and delivery flights.”
Industry Trends and Strategic Implications
The Military-Aircraft industry is witnessing a pronounced shift toward contracted air services, driven by the need for cost efficiency, specialized expertise, and operational flexibility. Programs like the CAF CAS, under which ATAC’s contract was awarded, exemplify this trend by enabling the DoD to access high-quality support without the burden of maintaining organic capabilities for every specialized function.
ATAC’s diversification beyond adversary air training into RDT&E and chase services is indicative of the broader evolution of private military aviation support. This move reduces reliance on a single revenue stream and leverages the company’s existing assets and expertise to capture new market opportunities. The successful execution of this contract could lead to further expansion into support for other aircraft types and international markets.
Globally, the F-16 remains a sought-after platform due to its balance of capability and affordability. The integration of private contractors like ATAC into the FMS process adds value for international customers by ensuring rigorous testing, documentation, and safety oversight. This comprehensive support model is increasingly favored by partner nations seeking long-term, reliable relationships with U.S. industry and government.
Technology Integration and Modernization
The F-16 Block 70/72 variants represent the latest in a long line of technological upgrades, incorporating advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and digital cockpit technologies. The complexity of these systems increases the importance of comprehensive testing and validation, for which chase aircraft services are indispensable.
Modern chase operations require not only high-performance aircraft but also robust data acquisition and analysis tools. The trend toward networked, software-defined capabilities in military aviation further amplifies the need for specialized support during both production and post-delivery modernization efforts.
Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and digital engineering processes may create new requirements for chase aircraft operations, offering additional avenues for private contractors to add value through technological innovation and specialized expertise.
Conclusion
The $7.82 million F-16 chase flight services contract awarded to ATAC is emblematic of a broader transformation in military aviation support. By entrusting critical safety and quality assurance functions to a proven private contractor, the U.S. defense establishment is leveraging industry expertise to enhance efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness. ATAC’s extensive fleet, operational experience, and adaptability position it as a key player in this evolving landscape.
As F-16 production continues to meet robust international demand and as contracted air services gain further traction, ATAC’s success in this domain may serve as a model for future public-private partnerships in defense aviation. The company’s ability to deliver specialized, high-value services while maintaining rigorous safety and performance standards underscores the strategic importance of private sector participation in modern military operations.
FAQ
What is the purpose of chase aircraft in F-16 production?
Chase aircraft provide visual monitoring, safety oversight, and documentation during the first flights and product assurance missions of newly manufactured F-16s, ensuring any anomalies are quickly identified and addressed.
Why was ATAC selected for this contract?
ATAC was chosen due to its extensive operational experience, large and modernized fleet, and proven track record in both adversary air and chase aircraft support for advanced fighter programs.
How does the contract benefit the Department of Defense?
The contract allows the DoD to access specialized chase services without maintaining dedicated government assets, reducing costs and increasing operational flexibility while ensuring high safety and quality standards.
What is the significance of the Greenville, South Carolina F-16 production line?
Greenville is now the only active F-16 production line globally, supplying advanced variants to international customers and supporting U.S. foreign policy and defense industrial objectives.
How does this contract reflect broader trends in military aviation?
It exemplifies the growing role of private contractors in providing specialized, high-value support services for military aviation, driven by cost efficiency, expertise, and the need for operational flexibility.
Sources: Textron Investor Relations, U.S. Department of Defense, ATAC USA, Lockheed Martin F-16, Defense Security Cooperation Agency – FMS
Photo Credit: Textron
Defense & Military
RCAF Accepts First Two CF-35A Fighters at Luke Air Force Base
Canada takes delivery of CF-35A fighters AR-1 and AR-2 at Luke AFB as its C$19B procurement program remains under review.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officially accepted delivery of its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on October 22, 2026, marking the physical introduction of the fifth-generation platform into the Canadian military.
The handover of the aircraft, designated AR-1 and AR-2, proceeds even as the broader C$19 billion procurement program remains in political limbo. Following trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated a formal review of the 88-aircraft purchase in March 2025, leaving the ultimate size and composition of Canada’s future fighter fleet unconfirmed.
Initial training operations in Arizona
The first two CF-35As will remain stationed at Luke Air Force Base to support the initial training cadre of Canadian instructor pilots and maintainers. The Arizona installation serves as a primary international training hub for the F-35 platform, hosting multiple allied nations. According to the Department of National Defence (DND), a total of eight Canadian jets are planned to be based at the facility through 2026 and 2027.
The delivery occurred exactly one month after the first Canadian aircraft completed its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 23, 2026. In an official statement regarding the delivery, the RCAF noted that the arrival of the jets represents a foundational step, adding that the future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone.
Procurement review and fleet uncertainty
Canada has been a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997. After years of political debate and a reset of the procurement process, the Canadian government selected the F-35A in 2022 over the Saab Gripen E to replace its aging McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fleet. The CF-18 has been in service since the 1980s and is slated for retirement in the early 2030s. In January 2023, Ottawa finalized the agreement to purchase 88 F-35As.
The procurement trajectory shifted in March 2025 when Prime Minister Carney ordered a formal review of the acquisition. Currently, only 16 of the 88 jets are firmly committed and funded. Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed the ongoing evaluation, stating that the question of the F-35 remains under review and that both he and the prime minister are highly engaged in the issue alongside the emerging Defence Investment Agency.
The government is actively evaluating the possibility of operating a mixed fighter fleet. This approach could integrate Saab Gripen E fighters alongside a smaller number of F-35s, reopening a competition that Saab had previously lost during the Future Fighter Capability Project selection.
Path to operational capability
Despite the political uncertainty surrounding the final fleet size, the RCAF continues to execute its transition plan for the funded aircraft. The first CF-35As are scheduled to arrive on Canadian soil at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta in 2028.
The air force plans to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CF-35A fleet between 2029 and 2030. This timeline aligns with the necessary infrastructure upgrades at Canadian bases and the completion of initial pilot and maintainer training in the United States.
AirPro News analysis
Canada’s ongoing review of the F-35 program is highly unusual for a Tier 3 partner at this late stage of procurement. While the physical delivery of AR-1 and AR-2 ensures the RCAF can begin building its fifth-generation institutional knowledge, the potential pivot to a mixed fleet introduces significant logistical and interoperability questions. Operating both the CF-35A and the Saab Gripen E would require maintaining two distinct supply chains, training pipelines, and maintenance infrastructures. We note that these dual-fleet requirements could potentially offset the initial acquisition savings of a split purchase, complicating the RCAF’s transition away from the CF-18 Hornet.
Photo Credit: Royal Canadian Air Force
Defense & Military
U.S. Army Validates AH-64E Apache Maritime Lifting Sling
The U.S. Army validated a lifting sling for the AH-64E Apache, enabling crane-based maritime loading with rotor blades folded.
The U.S. Army has successfully validated a prototype lifting sling for the Boeing AH-64E Apache, clearing the attack helicopter for crane-based maritime loading and unloading with its main rotor blades folded.
Announced on October 21, 2026, by the Apache Helicopter Project Office, the validation fulfills the final transportability requirement outlined in the aircraft’s Capability Production Document (CPD). The milestone significantly expands the Army’s expeditionary logistics options by reducing reliance on specialized port infrastructure.
Expanding maritime logistics capabilities
Prior to this validation, maritime deployment of the Apache fleet often depended on Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) vessels or specialized dock facilities equipped with ramps capable of supporting towed aircraft. The new sling, engineered by industry partner ASRC Federal, allows the AH-64E to be hoisted using standard harbor and shipboard cranes.
This Lift-On/Lift-Off (LOLO) capability mitigates transit bottlenecks and lowers vessel charter costs by opening access to a wider range of global seaports. The U.S. Army stated that the ability to load and unload the aircraft with its main rotor blades folded is a major milestone for expeditionary mobility.
Prototype validation and next steps
The validation exercise took place at Fort Hood, Texas, overseen by the Apache Project Management Transportability Team based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. During the testing, the team successfully demonstrated the safe hoisting of the AH-64E using the ASRC Federal prototype hardware.
Following the exercise, the test team identified minor adjustments required before full production. These modifications include the addition of protective padding to prevent the hoisting cable from contacting the main rotor blades during lifting operations. Once these adjustments are validated, ASRC Federal will manufacture and deliver five contracted production prototypes to the U.S. Army.
The AH-64E Apache global footprint
Manufactured by The Boeing Company, the AH-64 Apache has served as the primary attack helicopters for the U.S. Army since 1984. The AH-64E is the latest variant, featuring upgraded sensors, software, and weapons performance. The U.S. Army is currently modernizing its fleet to the AH-64E Version 6.5 standard while gradually retiring older AH-64D models.
The global Apache fleet consists of more than 1,280 aircraft operating across 19 defense forces. In March 2023, Boeing reported the U.S. Army fleet had surpassed 5 million total flight hours.
International demand for the platform remains active. On August 11, 2026, Boeing signed offset agreements with Polish industry partners to build a long-term sustainment infrastructure supporting Poland’s incoming fleet of 96 AH-64E helicopters.
AirPro News analysis
The shift from RORO dependency to LOLO capability represents a critical logistical upgrade for U.S. Army aviation. As military planners focus on distributed operations and expeditionary mobility, the ability to utilize commercial container ports and standard maritime cranes reduces reliance on specialized military sealift vessels. This transportability milestone ensures the AH-64E can be deployed more rapidly and flexibly in contested or infrastructure-limited theaters.
Photo Credit: United States Army – Courtesy
Defense & Military
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense Partner on FQ-42 Vengeance CCA
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense team up to manufacture the FQ-42 Vengeance airframe as the USAF targets 500 CCAs by 2032.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Spirit Defense have formed a strategic partnership to manufacture the airframe for the U.S. Air Force’s FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
Announced in an October 23, 2026, press release, the agreement designates Spirit Defense, a Boeing Company, as a fuselage design-build partner. The collaboration aims to expand manufacturing capacity and establish production resilience as the U.S. Air Force (USAF) accelerates its uncrewed fighter program toward a goal of fielding hundreds of aircraft by the next decade.
Scaling production for the uncrewed fleet
The partnership connects GA-ASI headquarters in San Diego, California, with Spirit Defense operations in Wichita, Kansas. Spirit Defense operates as an independent supplier to the defense industry, providing engineering, manufacturing, and lifecycle support for military programs. By integrating Spirit Defense into the supply chain, GA-ASI intends to reduce the risk of single points of failure and increase the industrial depth required for high-volume production.
GA-ASI recently completed a new low-observable paint facility to support the CCA program and stated it is currently positioned to deliver six aircraft per month to meet initial USAF objectives. The addition of Spirit Defense is designed to scale that output further.
David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, highlighted the strategic necessity of the agreement in meeting military requirements.
“We’re excited to be working with Spirit Defense. We’ve established our proven design, development, and manufacturing capability for the FQ-42. With Spirit Defense we add capacity, which is exactly the kind of production resilience our U.S. Air Force customer is looking for with its CCA ramp-up. This kind of partnership represents the scalable industrial base the Air Force and the U.S. Department of [Defense] are looking for from industry.”
Keith Schrader, President and CEO of Spirit Defense, confirmed the company’s readiness to support the airframe build.
“We’re proud to bring deep manufacturing expertise and proven capabilities to this important program. Our team understands the responsibility that comes with supporting critical national defense programs, and we’re ready to deliver for our customer and the warfighter.”
The FQ-42 Vengeance in testing and evaluation
The FQ-42 Vengeance is a purpose-built, fifth-generation uncrewed fighter developed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in semi-autonomous combat roles. The design features an internal weapons bay, low observability, and a modular architecture intended for the rapid integration of mission systems and autonomy software.
On September 18, 2026, GA-ASI delivered a new FQ-42 Vengeance to Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to support continued USAF test, evaluation, and experimentation. The aircraft has already participated in formation flights with crewed fighters, including the F-35 Lightning II and the F-15E Strike Eagle.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink officially named the aircraft “Vengeance” on September 14, 2026. The aircraft was previously known internally as Dark Merlin. During the naming announcement, Meink emphasized the rapid pace of the acquisition program.
“Today, the first FQ-42 and FQ-44 increments are already rolling off the assembly line,” Meink stated. “They’ll be performing many of the same missions that we do with manned fighters today.”
Evolution of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative
The USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is designed to field affordable, semi-autonomous drones to augment crewed fighter squadrons. The target unit cost for the aircraft at full-rate production is approximately $20 million.
GA-ASI was selected by the USAF in April 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the program. The FQ-42 Vengeance completed its maiden flight in August 2025, and GA-ASI secured an initial production contract from the USAF in June 2026. The FQ-42 is one of two primary designs selected for the first increment of CCA production, alongside Anduril Industries’ FQ-44 Fury.
The scope of the CCA program has expanded significantly since its inception. Initial projections called for 150 aircraft, but on September 14, 2026, the USAF confirmed a revised goal to field at least 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032.
Mike Shortsleeve, Vice President for Strategy Business Development at GA-ASI, addressed the increased production targets following the USAF announcement.
“The intent for them is to go up to as many as 500 aircraft by 2032,” Shortsleeve said. “We’re ready to do that production.”
GA-ASI has operated as a sole manufacturer of its Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) line since its founding in 1992. Over 30 years, the company’s Predator line has logged more than 9 million flight hours across platforms including the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian, and the MQ-20 Avenger.
Beyond the domestic FQ-42 program, GA-ASI is engaged in discussions with international militaries regarding the Gambit Series. The Gambit Series is a family of modular CCAs derived from the FQ-42, the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, and the MQ-20 Avenger, optimized for electronic warfare, suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, and stand-off precision strike missions.
AirPro News analysis
The partnership between GA-ASI and Spirit Defense illustrates the central challenge of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program: industrial capacity. Designing a capable uncrewed fighter is only half the mandate; the other half is manufacturing it at a scale and price point that traditional defense primes have struggled to achieve with crewed aircraft. By bringing a Boeing subsidiary into the fold for fuselage production, GA-ASI is signaling to the Department of Defense that it can meet the aggressive 2032 target of 500 aircraft without requiring massive, unilateral capital expenditure.
This distributed manufacturing approach also directly addresses the Pentagon’s ongoing concerns regarding supply chain fragility. Relying on a single facility in San Diego for a critical next-generation platform presents a strategic vulnerability. Distributing the airframe build to Wichita builds redundancy into the program while leveraging existing aerospace manufacturing infrastructure, a model that will likely become standard as the USAF pushes for higher volumes of attritable or semi-attritable autonomous systems.
Photo Credit: General Atomics
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