The latest version of the F-16 made its maiden flight
Morocco became the first customer for the F-16 Block 72 fighter jets. The F-16 Block 72 multi-role fighter jet made its maiden flight.
"The first Moroccan F-16 Block 72 from Lockheed Martin took flight in Greenville, South Carolina. This event marks another step toward delivering the most advanced version of the F-16 to the Royal Moroccan Air Force," she wrote on X.
The F-16 Block 72 is the newest and most advanced version of the Fighting Falcon. The aircraft is equipped with the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) with an active phased array antenna.
It is also equipped with new onboard computers, multifunctional Link 16 data-link systems, upgraded navigation systems, helmet-mounted sighting systems, and a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.
The difference between the earlier Block 70 and Block 72 lies in the engine. The Block 70 is equipped with a General Electric F110-GE-129 engine, while the Block 72 features a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229. Otherwise, these two versions share the same core suite of upgraded avionics.
Morocco plans to acquire 25 new F-16C/D Block 72 aircraft as part of a package with an estimated value of $3.787 billion.
For the country, the choice of the Block 72 is driven by the desire to ensure maximum standardization of its air fleet. The Royal Moroccan Air Force already operates F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft with F100 engines, so the new aircraft fit into the existing maintenance infrastructure.
This was reported by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s manufacturer.
Taiwan has received its first two American F-16V fighter jets — Asharq Al-Awsat.
Due to the intensive use of the F-16s, Ukraine is rapidly exhausting the aircraft’s service life.
Spain, Belgium, and Poland have already begun supplying Ukraine with 20-mm ammunition. This ammunition is needed, in particular, for the F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine is using against Russian jet drones.
Ukraine will receive three F-16 fighter jets from Belgium by the end of 2026. The transfer of the aircraft is planned to be carried out under an expedited procedure.
