ISLAMABAD, JAN 2, SPA -- The United States Defense Department has awarded a $ 498.2 million contract to Lockheed Martin Corporation for supply of F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan under foreign military sales, officials said. This action will provide Foreign Military Sales of F-16C/D new aircraft for the (Pakistan) programme for F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The procurement of 12 operational single place F-16C Block 52 aircraft and 6 operational two place F-16D Block 52 aircraft will be accomplished under the firm fixed price portion. This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan. Lockheed Martin got a $ 144 million contract in 2006 for tasks related to the production of 18 new Advanced Block 52 F-16 aircraft for Pakistan.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/513965