F-16 backorder rises to 136 with order.

The nation of Jordan has added eight F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to the backorder of 128 planes to be made at Lockheed Martin's Greenville manufacturing and sustainment facility.

"This F-16 acquisition reflects over 70 years of U.S. cooperation and decades of partnership with Lockheed Martin," Aimee Burnett, vice president of Lockheed's integrated fighter group business development department, said in a news release. "Our history partnering with Jordan strengthens regional security and helps protect citizens through 21st century scurity technologies that support critical missions today and into the future."

The selection of new production F-16 aircraft extends Jordan's existing fleet of F-16s, bringing advanced capabilities to the mission combined with affordable operating and lifecycle costs, according to Lockheed Martin.

Brigadier Gen. Mohammad Hiyasat of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Major Gen. Yousef Al-Hnaity, chairman of Jordan's Joint Chiefs of Staff and Jordan Armed Forces, met with Burnett to sign a letter of offer and acceptance for the sale.

According to the company, Lockheed Martin expects orders of another 300 F-16 Block 70 aircraft as international interest continues to escalate. The Greenville plant has 136 positions open to sustain ongoing operations and is now offering a $15,000 sign-on bonus and up to a $5,000 lump sum to relocate future employees.

"These new roles represent Lockheed Martin's...