F16 Supply Chain Profile

Lockheed Martin F-16

Companies 

1. Major Airframe Components

• Spirit AeroSystems
  Provides major structural components such as the forward fuselage and wing structures. Spirit AeroSystems is one of the largest suppliers for aerostructures in the aerospace industry and plays a critical role in delivering large portions of the F-16’s airframe.

• Northrop Grumman (Aerostructures division)
  Supplies various airframe parts, including wing components and other major structural elements. They are responsible for key portions of the airframe assembly.

• GKN Aerospace
  Delivers composite parts and assemblies, including wing components and engine nacelles for the F-16.

• Héroux-Devtek
  Manufactures landing gear systems and components.

• Magellan Aerospace
  Supplies precision-machined structural components and assemblies for the F-16 airframe.

2. Avionics and Electronic Systems

• Northrop Grumman
  Supplies the radar systems, including the AN/APG-68 and the newer AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), critical for target acquisition and situational awareness in modern F-16s.

• Raytheon Technologies
  Provides the F-16 with advanced radar warning receivers, jamming systems, and the ALR-69A radar warning receiver, which detects enemy radar emissions.

• BAE Systems
  Supplies advanced electronic warfare suites, including the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasure (ECM) pod and mission computers for threat detection and neutralization.

• L3Harris Technologies
  Provides integrated communications systems, data links, and advanced avionics, including the Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for the F-16.

• Elbit Systems
  Develops helmet-mounted displays, including the JHMCS (Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System), used by F-16 pilots to improve target acquisition and engagement.

• Honeywell Aerospace
  Provides avionics systems, including inertial navigation systems, cockpit displays, and auxiliary power units (APUs).

3. Engines and Engine Components

• General Electric (GE Aviation)
  Provides the F110 engine used in many F-16 variants, delivering high thrust and reliability. GE is responsible for supplying and maintaining these engines in service worldwide.

• Pratt & Whitney
  Supplies the F100 engine, which powers many earlier and some current variants of the F-16. Both engine manufacturers provide ongoing support and upgrades to their powerplants.

• Chromalloy
  A major subcontractor for engine parts, providing advanced coatings and component repairs for both F110 and F100 engines, helping maintain engine performance and longevity.

• Woodward
  Supplies engine control systems, fuel systems, and other precision components that help optimize engine performance for the F-16.

4. Mission Critical Sensors 

• Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
  Responsible for the development and integration of targeting systems such as the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, providing high-resolution targeting, surveillance, and laser-guided munitions support for the F-16.

• L3Harris Technologies
  Provides electro-optical and infrared sensors, including targeting systems and pod solutions like the AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pod, used for precision air-to-ground targeting.

• Saab Defense and Security
  Subcontractor for radar warning and defensive aids systems, Saab provides key components of the electronic warfare suite integrated into the F-16, such as chaff and flare dispensers.

5. Weapons and Munitions Integration

• Raytheon Technologies
  Integrates various air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions for the F-16, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and the AIM-9 Sidewinder, and contributes to the aircraft’s missile-launch systems.

• Boeing
  Provides joint direct attack munitions (JDAM), small diameter bombs (SDB), and other precision-guided munitions integration for the F-16. Boeing also helps integrate new weapon systems onto the aircraft.

• MBDA
  Contributes to the development and integration of the Meteor and other European air-to-air missiles used by F-16 operators in Europe.

• Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems)
  Provides gun systems, including the M61 Vulcan cannon used on the F-16 for close-in air-to-air combat and ground-attack missions.

6. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Providers

• AAR Corporation
  A major subcontractor for depot-level maintenance and sustainment of F-16s for international operators. AAR provides lifecycle management services, including upgrades and modernization.

• StandardAero
  Specializes in engine and airframe maintenance, providing critical MRO services for air forces around the world that operate the F-16.

• Sabena Aerospace
  Offers maintenance and logistical support services for F-16 fleets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

• Elbit Systems
  Provides avionics and structural upgrades for the F-16, offering both hardware and software modifications that extend the aircraft’s service life and combat capability.

• Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
  Provides assembly, maintenance, and modernization services for Turkish F-16s and for international clients. TAI plays a key role in sustaining the F-16 fleet in the Middle East and other allied countries.

7. Global Supply Chain and License Production

• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
  Licensed manufacturer of the F-16 for South Korea, KAI has been involved in producing and maintaining the Republic of Korea’s F-16 fleet.

• Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)
  Licensed to maintain and upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16s, PAC handles depot-level repairs and modernization efforts for the Pakistan Air Force.

• Indonesian Aerospace
  Provides support and MRO services for the Indonesian Air Force’s F-16 fleet.

8. Software and Digital Systems

• Honeywell Aerospace
  Provides key avionics software systems, including flight control software and navigation systems for the F-16.

• L3Harris Technologies
  Provides integrated communications and data management systems, including the Link 16 Tactical Data Link for secure real-time data sharing.

• BAE Systems
  Provides mission software, including situational awareness tools and electronic warfare systems that assist in threat detection and management.

Semiconductor Companies (Aerospace & Defense Applications)

1. Intel

   • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA
     Provides processors, FPGAs, and other semiconductor solutions that are widely used in avionics and communication systems, potentially for radar and mission computers in aircraft like the F-16.

2. Microsemi (A subsidiary of Microchip Technology)

   • Headquarters: Chandler, Arizona, USA
     Specializes in semiconductors for aerospace and defense, including power management, FPGAs, and signal processing components that are critical for radar, communication, and control systems.

3. Xilinx (Now part of AMD)

   • Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA
     Xilinx FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) are commonly used in avionics and defense systems for radar processing, digital signal processing (DSP), and other real-time applications on military aircraft like the F-16.

4. Texas Instruments (TI)

   • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
     Provides a wide range of semiconductor components, including processors, power management ICs, and signal chain devices used in avionics, radar, and communication systems.

5. Analog Devices

   • Headquarters: Norwood, Massachusetts, USA
     Supplies semiconductor solutions for sensor signal processing, RF (radio frequency) systems, and communications equipment used in military avionics and radar systems.

6. Broadcom

   • Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA
     Provides semiconductor solutions for networking, communications, and RF systems, which may be used in F-16 avionics, sensors, and communication equipment.

7. Infineon Technologies

   • Headquarters: Neubiberg, Germany
     Specializes in power electronics, microcontrollers, and RF solutions that could be involved in radar systems, power distribution, and electronic warfare systems for the F-16.

8. STMicroelectronics

   • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
     Provides semiconductor devices such as power management ICs, microcontrollers, and sensors used in avionics and radar systems.

9. Maxim Integrated (Now part of Analog Devices)

   • Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA
     Known for its power management solutions, sensor interfaces, and communication ICs that are used in aerospace systems, including military platforms like the F-16.

10. NXP Semiconductors

    • Headquarters: Eindhoven, Netherlands
      Provides microcontrollers, RF components, and security ICs that are essential for avionics, radar, and secure communication systems in military aircraft.

11. Qorvo

    • Headquarters: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
      Specializes in RF solutions used in radar, communication, and electronic warfare systems for military aircraft like the F-16.

12. ON Semiconductor

    • Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
      Provides power management, sensors, and other critical semiconductor components that are used in avionics and mission-critical systems for military platforms.

Battery Manufacturers (Aerospace & Defense Applications)

1. Saft (A subsidiary of TotalEnergies)

   • Headquarters: Levallois-Perret, France
     Saft provides advanced lithium-ion and nickel-based batteries for military aircraft, including F-16s. Their batteries are used for emergency power systems, avionics, and engine starts.

2. EaglePicher Technologies

   • Headquarters: Joplin, Missouri, USA
     Specializes in providing batteries for defense and aerospace applications, including lithium-ion and silver-zinc batteries used for backup power and other critical systems on military aircraft like the F-16.

3. GS Yuasa

   • Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
     GS Yuasa produces lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries for various aerospace applications, including military aircraft, providing reliable power for avionics and emergency systems.

4. Concorde Battery Corporation

   • Headquarters: West Covina, California, USA
     Provides sealed lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for military and aerospace applications, including auxiliary power units (APUs) and emergency power for F-16s.

5. EnerSys

   • Headquarters: Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
     Supplies aviation batteries, including nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries, that are commonly used in backup power and emergency systems in military aircraft.

6. Teledyne Technologies

   • Headquarters: Thousand Oaks, California, USA
     Provides battery technology for aerospace, including lithium-ion and other specialized batteries for backup and emergency power systems on fighter jets like the F-16.

7. Exide Technologies

   • Headquarters: Milton, Georgia, USA
     Known for supplying lead-acid and other types of batteries for aerospace and defense applications, including ground support equipment for aircraft like the F-16.

8. Ultralife Corporation

   • Headquarters: Newark, New York, USA
     Supplies lithium primary and rechargeable batteries for military applications, including backup power and emergency systems in aircraft.

Company Geographic Profiles 

1. Lockheed Martin

• Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, USA

• F-16 Operations: Fort Worth, Texas, USA (F-16 manufacturing and modernization)

2. General Electric (GE Aviation)

• Headquarters: Evendale, Ohio, USA

• F-16 Engine Operations: Lynn, Massachusetts, USA (F110 engine manufacturing)

3. Pratt & Whitney

• Headquarters: East Hartford, Connecticut, USA

• F-16 Engine Operations: Middletown, Connecticut, USA (F100 engine manufacturing)

4. Northrop Grumman

• Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, USA

• Radar & Avionics Operations: Linthicum, Maryland, USA (AN/APG-68 & AN/APG-83 radars)

5. Raytheon Technologies

• Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, USA

• Avionics & Missiles: Tucson, Arizona, USA (Missiles); El Segundo, California, USA (Avionics)

6. BAE Systems

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

• U.S. Operations: Arlington, Virginia, USA; Nashua, New Hampshire, USA (Mission computers and electronic warfare systems)

7. L3Harris Technologies

• Headquarters: Melbourne, Florida, USA

• Avionics & Communications: Rochester, New York, USA; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

8. Elbit Systems

• Headquarters: Haifa, Israel

• U.S. Operations: Fort Worth, Texas, USA (Helmet-mounted displays and avionics upgrades)

9. Honeywell Aerospace

• Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

• Avionics & Power Systems: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

10. Spirit AeroSystems

• Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA

• Aerostructures: Wichita, Kansas, USA (Fuselages, wings, and other structures)

11. Héroux-Devtek

• Headquarters: Longueuil, Quebec, Canada

• Landing Gear Manufacturing: Longueuil, Quebec, Canada

12. Magellan Aerospace

• Headquarters: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

• Aerostructures Manufacturing: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

13. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)

• Headquarters: Ankara, Turkey

• F-16 Operations: Ankara, Turkey (F-16 assembly and maintenance)

14. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)

• Headquarters: Sacheon, South Korea

• F-16 Operations: Sacheon, South Korea (Licensed production of F-16)

15. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)

• Headquarters: Kamra, Punjab, Pakistan

• F-16 Maintenance: Kamra, Pakistan (F-16 maintenance and upgrades)

16. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

• Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel

• F-16 Operations: Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel (F-16 upgrades and overhauls)

17. Saab Defense and Security

• Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden

• Electronic Warfare Systems: Järfälla, Sweden (Electronic warfare and radar warning systems)

18. AAR Corporation

• Headquarters: Wood Dale, Illinois, USA

• MRO Services: Miami, Florida, USA (Major MRO operations for F-16)

19. StandardAero

• Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

• Engine and Airframe Maintenance: San Antonio, Texas, USA

20. Sabena Aerospace

• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium

• MRO Services: Brussels, Belgium (European F-16 support and maintenance)

21. Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems)

• Headquarters: Dulles, Virginia, USA

• F-16 Gun Systems: Mesa, Arizona, USA (M61 Vulcan cannon production)

22. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

• Headquarters: Kongsberg, Norway

• Missile Systems & Avionics: Kongsberg, Norway

23. GKN Aerospace

• Headquarters: Redditch, United Kingdom

• Aerostructures: Cowes, United Kingdom (Composite parts and assemblies)

24. Chromalloy

• Headquarters: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

• Engine Components: Carson City, Nevada, USA

25. Woodward

• Headquarters: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

• Engine Control Systems: Rockford, Illinois, USA

26. MBDA

• Headquarters: Le Plessis-Robinson, France

• European Missile Systems: Stevenage, United Kingdom (Missile integration for European F-16s)

NSN Numbers 

1. Avionics and Electronic Systems

• NSN: 5841-01-435-5585 (AN/APG-68 Radar)
  Company: Northrop Grumman
  Component: Multi-mode radar system for earlier F-16 models.

• NSN: 5841-01-417-8771 (Radar Receiver-Transmitter)
  Company: Northrop Grumman
  Component: Radar receiver and transmitter for the F-16.

• NSN: 5895-01-572-4948 (Radar Processor)
  Company: Northrop Grumman
  Component: Radar data processor for AN/APG-83 AESA radar system.

• NSN: 5865-01-222-5782 (AN/ALQ-131 ECM Pod)
  Company: BAE Systems
  Component: ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) pod for jamming radar.

• NSN: 5865-01-317-0834 (ECM Receiver Set)
  Company: BAE Systems
  Component: Receiver set for electronic countermeasures.

• NSN: 1270-01-419-0863 (Multifunction Display Unit)
  Company: Raytheon Technologies
  Component: Multifunction display for cockpit avionics.

• NSN: 1680-01-437-8655 (Flight Display Control Panel)
  Company: Raytheon Technologies
  Component: Flight display control for cockpit interface.

• NSN: 5821-01-441-8831 (VHF/UHF Radio – AN/ARC-164)
  Company: L3Harris Technologies
  Component: VHF/UHF radio system for F-16 communications.

• NSN: 5821-01-442-0025 (Data Link Transmitter)
  Company: L3Harris Technologies
  Component: Data link transmitter for secure communications.

2. Engines and Engine Components

• NSN: 2840-01-442-5083 (F110-GE-129 Engine)
  Company: General Electric (GE Aviation)
  Component: Main engine for the F-16.

• NSN: 2840-01-382-3084 (High-Pressure Compressor Assembly)
  Company: General Electric (GE Aviation)
  Component: High-pressure compressor for F110-GE-129 engine.

• NSN: 2840-01-440-1202 (Turbine Nozzle)
  Company: General Electric (GE Aviation)
  Component: Turbine nozzle for the F110 engine.

• NSN: 2840-01-455-9451 (F100-PW-229 Engine)
  Company: Pratt & Whitney
  Component: Main engine used in various F-16 models.

• NSN: 2840-01-482-7630 (Turbine Blade)
  Company: Pratt & Whitney
  Component: Turbine blades for the F100-PW-229 engine.

• NSN: 2840-01-438-3214 (Compressor Disk)
  Company: Pratt & Whitney
  Component: Compressor disk for F100-PW-229 engine.

• NSN: 2835-01-463-3176 (GTCP36-150 APU)
  Company: Honeywell Aerospace
  Component: Auxiliary power unit for emergency power in the F-16.

• NSN: 2915-01-230-1364 (APU Fuel Pump)
  Company: Honeywell Aerospace
  Component: Fuel pump for the auxiliary power unit.

3. Structural and Aerostructural Components

• NSN: 1560-01-559-4486 (Wing Assembly)
  Company: Spirit AeroSystems
  Component: Wing assembly for the F-16.

• NSN: 1560-01-467-2301 (Fuselage Section)
  Company: Spirit AeroSystems
  Component: Fuselage section for the F-16.

• NSN: 1560-01-419-8624 (Canopy Assembly)
  Company: Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
  Component: Canopy section for the F-16.

• NSN: 1620-01-322-5699 (Main Landing Gear Assembly)
  Company: Héroux-Devtek
  Component: Main landing gear system for the F-16.

• NSN: 1620-01-414-5385 (Nose Landing Gear Strut)
  Company: Héroux-Devtek
  Component: Nose landing gear strut for the F-16.

4. Weapon Systems and Munitions

• NSN: 1427-01-333-5675 (AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile)
  Company: Raytheon Technologies
  Component: Air-to-air missile used by the F-16.

• NSN: 1410-01-433-9385 (AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile)
  Company: Raytheon Technologies
  Component: Short-range air-to-air missile.

• NSN: 1325-01-478-5428 (JDAM Kit)
  Company: Boeing
  Component: Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) used for precision-guided bombing.

• NSN: 1325-01-467-8552 (GBU-12 Paveway II Bomb)
  Company: Raytheon Technologies
  Component: Laser-guided bomb used by the F-16.

• NSN: 1005-00-322-9715 (M61A1 Vulcan Cannon)
  Company: Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK)
  Component: M61A1 Vulcan cannon used for close-in air combat.

• NSN: 1005-01-416-9999 (Cannon Rotor Assembly)
  Company: Northrop Grumman
  Component: Rotor assembly for the M61A1 Vulcan cannon.

5. Power Systems and Batteries

• NSN: 6140-01-661-5297 (VL 34570 Li-Ion Battery)
  Company: Saft
  Component: Lithium-ion battery used in F-16 avionics.

• NSN: 6140-01-455-1607 (SP270A Silver-Zinc Battery)
  Company: EaglePicher Technologies
  Component: Silver-zinc battery used for backup power in the F-16.

• NSN: 6140-01-451-2052 (RG-350 Sealed Lead-Acid Battery)
  Company: Concorde Battery Corporation
  Component: Sealed lead-acid battery used for emergency power systems.

• NSN: 6130-01-434-2257 (Battery Charger Unit)
  Company: Honeywell Aerospace
  Component: Battery charger for onboard power systems.

• NSN: 6110-01-438-5601 (Voltage Regulator)
  Company: Texas Instruments
  Component: Voltage regulator used in avionics and power distribution systems.

6. Semiconductors and Electronics

• NSN: 5962-01-461-3157 (FPGA – Field-Programmable Gate Array)
  Company: Xilinx (AMD)
  Component: FPGA used in avionics and radar systems.

• NSN: 5962-01-408-5067 (DSP – Digital Signal Processor)
  Company: Texas Instruments
  Component: DSP used in flight control systems.

• NSN: 5962-01-436-2069 (Operational Amplifier)
  Company: Analog Devices
  Component: Op-amp used for radar signal processing.

• NSN: 5996-01-477-6104 (RF Amplifier Module)
  Company: Broadcom
  Component: RF amplifier used in communication systems.

• NSN: 5962-01-451-7283 (Transceiver IC)
  Company: Texas Instruments
  Component: Transceiver IC used in F-16 data links and communication systems.

7. Miscellaneous Parts

• NSN: 6610-01-418-5683 (Flight Control Computer)
  Company: Lockheed Martin
  Component: Flight control computer for the F-16.

• NSN: 6615-01-430-5368 (Yaw Sensor)
  Company: Honeywell Aerospace
  Component: Yaw sensor used in F-16 flight control systems

Counties 

United States
(Lockheed Martin, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace, Boeing, EaglePicher Technologies, Concorde Battery Corporation, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, Xilinx (AMD), Broadcom, Saft, Spirit AeroSystems, Héroux-Devtek, Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems), Microchip)

France
(Saft, MBDA)

United Kingdom
(BAE Systems, MBDA, GKN Aerospace)

Canada
(Héroux-Devtek, Magellan Aerospace)

Germany
(Infineon Technologies)

Israel
(Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries)

Sweden
(Saab Defense and Security)

Turkey
(Turkish Aerospace Industries – TAI)

Japan
(GS Yuasa)

Netherlands
(NXP Semiconductors)

South Korea
(Korea Aerospace Industries – KAI)

Pakistan
(Pakistan Aeronautical Complex – PAC)

Foreign Influence 

1. Semiconductor and Electronics Industry

Indirect Influence of China:

While semiconductors used in military applications like the F-16 are tightly controlled, the global semiconductor supply chain has potential links to China, especially in the production of commercial and low-level electronics.

• Company: Broadcom

• Influence: Broadcom manufactures many of its semiconductor components in Taiwan and China. While military-grade components would likely be sourced from trusted facilities, commercial components used in avionics or communication systems could still have manufacturing connections in China.

• Connection: Any commercial RF amplifiers or communication chips could indirectly involve Chinese manufacturing processes through third-party vendors or supply chains, even if final assembly and testing are done in secure locations.

• Company: NXP Semiconductors

• Influence: Although based in the Netherlands, NXP has facilities and manufacturing partnerships in China. Some lower-level microcontrollers or chips used in auxiliary systems for aircraft like the F-16 may come from factories located in China.

• Connection: Indirect, especially for commercial or non-critical electronic systems that may not be subject to the strictest military export controls.

• Company: Analog Devices

• Influence: Analog Devices operates a global supply chain, and some basic integrated circuits (ICs) used in radar, avionics, and communication systems may be produced in or sourced from facilities connected to Chinese suppliers.

• Connection: Any indirect Chinese involvement would likely be through component assembly or sub-tier suppliers that feed into the broader electronics supply chain.

2. Rare Earth Elements and Materials

Indirect Influence of China:

China controls a dominant share of the world’s rare earth element (REE) production, which are critical for many aerospace applications, including radar systems, avionics, sensors, and actuators in aircraft like the F-16. Although defense contractors generally source rare earth materials from alternative suppliers, the global dependence on China’s rare earth supply chain is a significant factor.

• Company: Raytheon Technologies

• Influence: Raytheon uses rare earth elements in many of its advanced systems, including radar and missile guidance systems. Although rare earths are sourced from global suppliers, some may indirectly trace back to Chinese mining and processing facilities.

• Connection: Potential indirect influence through the rare earth supply chain used in components like the AN/APG-83 SABR radar system.

• Company: Northrop Grumman

• Influence: The manufacturing of radar, electronic warfare systems, and avionics often requires rare earth elements like neodymium, terbium, and dysprosium, which are vital for magnets and sensors. Since China produces a large percentage of these materials, indirect reliance on China exists for these critical materials.

• Connection: Indirect, through the global supply of rare earth materials used in avionics and radar systems.

• Company: Honeywell Aerospace

• Influence: Honeywell’s auxiliary power units (APUs) and other power management components in the F-16 may rely on rare earth elements for electrical systems, particularly in sensors and high-performance magnets. China’s dominance in rare earth production could impact the supply chain for these materials.

• Connection: Indirect, via global rare earth supply chains that feed into the production of power systems and components.

3. Manufacturing of Basic Components

Indirect Influence of China:

China is a global manufacturing hub for basic electronic components, wiring, and other commercial-grade hardware. While most military-grade hardware is produced in more secure locations, non-critical components like wiring, connectors, or circuit boards could still have links to Chinese manufacturers.

• Company: L3Harris Technologies

• Influence: L3Harris produces communication systems and avionics for the F-16, which include a wide range of electronics and sensors. Non-critical components such as wiring, connectors, or subcomponents used in avionics systems may have Chinese origins in their lower tiers of the supply chain.

• Connection: Indirect, through commercial-grade hardware sourced from global supply chains that include China.

• Company: Microchip Technology (Microsemi)

• Influence: Although Microchip’s military-grade FPGAs and processors are tightly controlled, some non-critical commercial components like capacitors or resistors used in auxiliary systems may be sourced from Chinese suppliers due to their global presence in basic electronic manufacturing.

• Connection: Indirect, via commercial component sourcing from global manufacturers that may have production facilities in China.

• Company: Broadcom

• Influence: Broadcom produces RF and communication components used in the F-16. While military versions are likely produced in secure facilities, many components in commercial RF systems have Chinese manufacturing origins, especially in lower-tier components like transistors and amplifiers.

• Connection: Indirect, through the global supply chain of RF components that could involve Chinese manufacturers.

4. Battery Components and Materials

Indirect Influence of China:

China is a major global player in the lithium-ion battery industry and the production of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for advanced battery technology. While defense batteries are produced in secure facilities, raw materials often have Chinese connections.

• Company: Saft Batteries

• Influence: Saft produces military-grade batteries used in F-16 avionics and emergency power systems. Although their batteries are produced in Europe and the U.S., raw materials such as lithium and cobalt may be sourced from global supply chains, which often include China.

• Connection: Indirect, via raw materials used in lithium-ion batteries.

• Company: EaglePicher Technologies

• Influence: EaglePicher produces silver-zinc and lithium-ion batteries used in aerospace applications. While the batteries themselves are manufactured in the U.S., some of the raw materials (e.g., lithium, cobalt) could come from suppliers with connections to China’s mining and refining industries.

• Connection: Indirect, through the global raw material supply chain for battery production.

5. Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

Indirect Influence of China:

China is one of the largest producers of semiconductor fabrication equipment and materials used in the production of chips and integrated circuits (ICs). Some of the equipment and materials used in U.S. or European semiconductor facilities may have been sourced from Chinese suppliers.

• Company: Xilinx (AMD)

• Influence: Xilinx produces advanced FPGAs used in the F-16’s radar and avionics systems. While these are produced in secure facilities in the U.S. or Taiwan, some fabrication equipment or raw silicon wafers might be indirectly sourced from China.

• Connection: Indirect, via semiconductor production equipment or materials used in chip manufacturing.

• Company: NXP Semiconductors

• Influence: NXP has manufacturing facilities in several countries, including China. While military-grade components are likely manufactured elsewhere, some basic microcontrollers or supporting ICs may be produced in facilities with indirect Chinese involvement.

• Connection: Indirect, particularly for lower-tier components manufactured in China.

1. Boeing F-15E and F-15EX

Companies Involved:

• Aerostructures and Major Airframe Components:

• Spirit AeroSystems: Provides major structural components like fuselage and wings.

• GKN Aerospace: Supplies composite parts and assemblies for the airframe.

• Héroux-Devtek: Produces landing gear components for the F-15.

• Magellan Aerospace: Precision-machined structural components.

• Avionics and Electronic Systems:

• Northrop Grumman: Provides radar systems like the AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar for the F-15EX.

• Raytheon Technologies: Avionics and radar warning receivers such as the AN/ALR-56C.

• BAE Systems: Advanced electronic warfare suites and mission computers.

• L3Harris Technologies: Provides secure communication systems and advanced avionics.

• Honeywell Aerospace: Avionics, including inertial navigation systems and cockpit displays.

• Engines and Engine Components:

• General Electric: Supplies the F110-GE-129 engines for the F-15EX.

• Pratt & Whitney: Provides the F100-PW-229 engine used in the F-15E.

• Weapons and Munitions Integration:

• Raytheon Technologies: Provides AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, and integration for advanced weapons systems.

• Boeing: Integrates JDAM and other precision-guided munitions.

NSN Numbers:

• NSN: 2840-01-442-5083 (F110-GE-129 Engine, General Electric)

• NSN: 2840-01-455-9451 (F100-PW-229 Engine, Pratt & Whitney)

• NSN: 5841-01-551-7888 (AN/APG-82 AESA Radar, Northrop Grumman)

• NSN: 5841-01-523-3982 (Radar Receiver-Transmitter, Northrop Grumman)

Geographic Locations:

• Boeing: Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, USA; F-15 operations in St. Louis, Missouri.

• Spirit AeroSystems: Wichita, Kansas, USA.

• General Electric: Evendale, Ohio, USA (F110 engine manufacturing).

• Pratt & Whitney: East Hartford, Connecticut, USA (F100 engine manufacturing).

• Northrop Grumman: Falls Church, Virginia, USA; radar operations in Linthicum, Maryland, USA.

Possible Chinese Influence:

• Semiconductors: Like the F-16, semiconductors for avionics, communication, and radar systems may have indirect ties to Chinese manufacturing.

• Rare Earth Materials: Critical components like the AESA radar systems rely on rare earth elements, largely sourced or processed by China.