Textron Systems has secured a contract to organize chase flights for F-16 combat aircraft training under the US Air Force’s foreign military sales program.
The initiative, to be facilitated by the firm’s Virginia-based segment Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), is worth up to $7.82 million and could run for up to 27 months.
Chase teams fly alongside the military jets during their maiden flights to monitor and ensure their performance, positioning, systems, and safety.
ATAC will be responsible for such activities, as well as assurance flights out of Donaldson Field in Greenville, South Carolina.
The company will use its own aircraft throughout demonstrations and coordinate data with the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) and the Defense Contract Management Agency.
Work will commence this month and continue for about two years.
“ATAC is an industry-leader in chase flight services and adversary air training services,” said Scott Stacy, senior vice president at ATAC.
“We have pioneered much of what are now contracted air services industry standards with a fleet of over 100 aircraft, over 105,000 flight hours, and 30 years of operating experience. We know that these new aircraft will give pilots a decisive advantage when it counts, across the globe.”
The US military currently operates roughly 1,000 F-16s, including about 600 in the US Air Force and 400 in the US Air National Guard.
As of 2025, Washington has sold approximately 4,600 F-16s to more than 25 countries through the Department of Defense’s foreign military sales program and direct commercial sales. About 2,200 of these jets remain active with partner nations.
