F-16 Fighting Falcon News
2018
26 August 2018 | Air Forces Monthly
AIDC-modified F-16V begins flight test
Taiwan’s first F-16V modified by the local Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) began flight testing a few days ago. The aircraft, serial 6626, a single-seater, had been undertaking high-speed taxis tests since June. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is spending…Read more ›
2017
2 November 2017 | IHS Jane's
Chile eyes F-16 upgrades, new AESA radars
The Chilean Air Force is studying options for upgrading its fleet of 46 F-16 fighters to keep the aircraft up-to-date through the 2030s, and any resulting programme would become the service's top priority, senior military sources in Santiago told Jane’s . The plan, set to be launched between
27 October 2017 | Air Forces Monthly
Ex-RNLAF F-16s delivered to Jordan
The first six of 15 former Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16s sold to Jordan were delivered to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) in late October. Taking off from Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands on October 25, the…Read more ›
22 September 2017 | ACC
Final operational F-16s depart Hill AFB
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The last six operational F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft lifted off from the runway here Sept. 21 at approximately 11 a.m. on their way to Holloman AFB, New Mexico, where they will continue flying. Several military and civilian Airmen watched as pilots stepped to the jets and taxied away for takeoff. The operational F-16s, which have been assigned here since 1979, are leaving to make room for F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.
4 August 2017 | ACC
8th Fighter Squadron reactivated after six years
The Black Sheep have returned. The 8th Fighter Squadron was reactivated at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 4, 2017, six years after its last inactivation May 13, 2011. [...] 8th FS will now maintain and pilot F-16 fighter jets, with its sister squadrons, the 311th FS and 314th FS here.
20 June 2017 | ACC
USAF Weapons School F-16 hits 35 years old
The United States Air Force Weapons School F-16 Fighting Falcon division hosted a reunion for past and present members to celebrate its 35th Anniversary June 15, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
26 May 2017 | MILAVIA News
Air National Guard paint facility completes 149th F-16 heritage paint scheme
A U.S. Air Force F-16 assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard, was painted with World War II heritage markings by the Air National Guard Paint Facility in Sioux City, Iowa.
14 April 2017 | Defense-Aerospace
F-16 Drops New B61-12 Nuclear Bomb in Development Test
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --- An Air Force F-16 aircraft released an inert B61 nuclear bomb in a test recently, demonstrating the aircraft's capability to deliver the weapon and testing the functioning of the weapon's non-nuclear components, including the arming and fire control system, radar altimeter, sp...
4 January 2017 | Defense-Aerospace
Dutch F-16s Land In Lithuania for Air Police Mission
On January 2 four F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets of the Royal Netherlands Air Force landed at the Lithuanian Air Forces Base in Ĺ iauliai to serve as next rotation of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states. The Baltic Air Policing Mission will pass from the French Air Force ...
2016
28 December 2016 | IHS Jane's
Israel retires F-16A/B 'Netz' fighters
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has retired its early model Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft following the completion of deliveries of the Alenia M-346 Master advanced jet trainer and the arrival of the first of its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs). The last of the IAF's approximately 90 F-16A/B 'Netz' fighters were officially withdrawn from service during a ceremony at Ouvda Air Force Base (AFB) in southern Israel on 26 December.
2 October 2016 | Key.Aero
Romanian Air Force’s First Six F-16A/Bs Delivered from Portugal
Portugal has handed over the first six of 12 second-hand F-16A/Bs being acquired by the ForĹŁele Aeriene Române (FAR – Romanian Air Force) under the Peace Carpathian programme.Â
30 September 2016 | Defense-Aerospace
Portugal Comments F-16 Delivery to Romania
Portugal handed the first six F-16 Romania, at a ceremony held on 28 September at the Air Base No.5 (BA 5) in Monte Real. These aircraft are the first of 12 sold by the government in 2013, and the contract includes the training of 84 Romanian military personnel in Portugal, of which 9 pilots and ...
2015
24 November 2015 | DefenseNews.com
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Jet on Syrian Border
Two Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft “intervened” and shot down a Russian Su-24 jet Nov. 24 near Turkey’s Syrian border.       Â
7 October 2015 | Lockheed Martin
F-16V demonstrator to Indonesia
Lockheed Martin brought its F-16 cockpit demonstrator to Indonesia this week to highlight the F-16V, the latest version of Lockheed Martin’s venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter.
5 August 2015 | Flight Global
Trim error led to fatal Greek F-16 crash
​A NATO safety investigation board report has determined that the main cause of a fatal Greek air force Lockheed Martin F-16D crash in January was the result of the aircraft not being properly trimmed for take-off, affecting the aerodynamics of the fighter.
14 July 2015 | DefenseNews.com
US Delivers First Batch of F-16s to Iraq
Four US F-16 warplanes landed in Iraq on Monday, the first batch of a much-delayed delivery aimed at boosting the ailing Iraqi military's capacity, the defense ministry said. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
30 June 2015 | Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pod™ Takes to the Skies
Equipped with an IRST21™ infrared sensor and advanced networking and data processing technology, Legion Pod provides high-fidelity detection and tracking of airborne targets. It also accommodates additional sensors without costly system or aircraft modifications.
25 June 2015 | IHS Jane's
Iraqi F-16 crashes in Arizona
An Iraqi Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft crashed on 24 June in southern Arizona, according to Iraq's Ministry of Defence. Brigadier General Rasid Muhammad Sadiq, who was conducting a training mission at the time and was the only person on board, was killed, the ministry said. The aircraft was stationed at the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard, and crashed near Arizona's border with Mexico and New Mexico. Iraqi officials have said they expect the country's F-16s to arrive at Balad Air Base within months.
13 April 2015 | Flight Global
TAI completes Turkish F-16 upgrade
​The Turkish air force has received the last of 163 Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds to have been upgraded with new avionics equipment and an expanded weapons capability.
6 March 2015 | DefenseNews.com
Cracks Fixed, USAF F-16Ds Flying Again
The US Air Force F-16D fleet is nearly back up and flying after a cockpit crack grounded the jets last year, with minimal disruption to pilot training. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
19 February 2015 | Flight Global
Lockheed prepares to usher F-16 through 12,000h service life
​The US Air Force has all but scrapped a plan to install advanced radars on its Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, but the company is pressing forward with plans to outfit other nations’ with the capability in hopes the US will eventually purchase the capability.
22 January 2015 | IHS Jane's
Bahraini air force details modernisation plans
The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is to embark on a comprehensive modernisation plan to enhance the capabilities of both its fixed- and rotary-winged combat fleets, a senior officer disclosed on 22 January. Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter conference in London, Colonel Salah
2014
19 December 2014 | ACC
AF delivers Iraqi F-16s for training in US
The Iraqi government purchased 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons to help rebuild their air force; however the security situation in Iraq made delivering the aircraft impractical. The decision was made to instead deliver a portion of the jets to Tucson, Arizona and continue the IAF pilots' training there. The Arizona ANG's 162nd Wing was chosen to provide the training due to its already established experience with foreign students.
11 December 2014 | DefenseNews.com
JASSMs To Equip Polish F-16s
Poland's Ministry of Defense has signed a deal with Lockheed Martin to acquire AGM-158 joint air-to-surface standoff missiles (JASSMs) for its fleet of 48 F-16 fighter jets. The contract is worth about US $250 million, the ministry said in a statement.
20 November 2014 | IHS Jane's
Italy deploys latest Mangusta attack helo variant to Afghanistan
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has received into service 'a squadron' of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), a senior PAF service official disclosed on 19 November. Speaking under the Chatham House Rule at the IQPC Fighter Conference in London, the officer said that the F-16A/B fighters had recently arrived in Pakistan, and will be used to augment the PAF's existing F-16 fleet, which is heavily involved in counterinsurgency operations along the country's border area with Afghanistan.
5 November 2014 | Flight Global
​South Korea kills BAE Systems F-16 upgrade programme
Following a request from South Korea, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has terminated a Foreign Military Sales contract with BAE Systems to upgrade 134 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters operated by South Korea.
5 November 2014 | Flight Global
Israel completes F-16 Barak upgrade
The Israeli air force has completed an extensive upgrade of its Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds, which one source says has brought the fleet back to "peak operational capability".
2 November 2014 | DefenseNews.com
S. Korea Threatens To Turn to Lockheed for KF-16 Upgrades
South Korea's contract with BAE to upgrade its KF-16 fleet remains in danger, with officials in Seoul insisting the company must lower what defense officials claim are unexpected price hikes beyond the original agreement.
9 October 2014 | Flight Global
US Air Force moves ahead with F-16 service life extension
​The US Air Force is pushing ahead with an effort to extend the service lives of 300 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters as a stopgap measure until the F-35 Lightning II is operational in sufficient numbers.
6 September 2014 | DefenseNews.com
Fix Decided on For F-16 Cracks
The US Air Force and Lockheed Martin have reached agreement on a fix for a series of cracks impacting F-16B and D fleets around the world.
2 September 2014 | DefenseNews.com
Turkey Delivers Upgraded F-16s to Pakistan
Turkey has delivered the last four F-16 fighter aircraft it upgraded for the Pakistani Air Force, the company tasked with the work said Sept. 2.
20 August 2014 | Flight Global
Taiwan F-16V passes design milestone
​The most recent version of the Lockheed Martin F-16s has passed critical design review, making way for upgrades to Taiwan’s fleet of the single-engined fighter.
19 August 2014 | Flight Global
USAF grounds 82 F-16Ds due to new cracks
​The US Air Force announced late on 19 August the grounding of 82 of 969 Lockheed Martin F-16s still in service after finding structural cracks.
19 August 2014 | USAF News
82 F-16Ds removed from flight status due to longeron cracks
U.S. Air Force officials recently removed 82 two-seat F-16D Fighting Falcons from flight status due to the discovery of canopy sill longeron cracks found between the front and rear pilot seats.
2 July 2014 | Flight Global
Dutch F-16s fly last mission in Afghanistan
​On 30 June, the last two Dutch air force Lockheed Martin F-16AMs completed their final mission for the Air Task Force over Afghanistan.
1 July 2014 | DefenseNews.com
Unrest in Iraq Could Delay Delivery of US F-16s
Violence in Iraq could delay the delivery of American F-16 fighter jets to the Baghdad government after contractors had to be evacuated from a key air base, the Pentagon said Monday.
11 June 2014 | IHS Jane's
AASM in debut firing from F-16
Sagem's Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) Hammer SBU-38 precision guided munition (PGM) has been successfully launched from a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the first launch of the PGM from a non-French made aircraft. The firing test was carried out by the US Air Force's (USAF's) 40th Flight...
10 June 2014 | Flight Global
Lockheed bullish on F-16 upgrade revival
Forty years on from first flight of the YF-16 prototype, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is enjoying an unlikely – albeit fiscally challenging – renaissance
6 June 2014 | DefenseNews.com
Iraqi F-16s to Be Based Out of Balad
Nearly three years after the last US troops left Iraq, F-16s are returning to Balad - this time, they will be the vanguard of the Iraqi air force.
5 June 2014 | Lockheed Martin
Iraq Accepts First Lockheed Martin F-16 Aircraft
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 5, 2014 -- Lockheed Martin delivered the first of 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft to the Iraqi Air Force during a ceremony today at its Fort Worth facility.
14 May 2014 | Flight Global
Pakistan could take additional Jordanian F-16s
​Pakistan could acquire more Jordanian Lockheed Martin F-16 A/B Block 15 aircraft, as it prepares to receive the final two examples of the current deal for 13 aircraft.
8 May 2014 | IHS Jane's
Boeing touts operational QF-16 UAV
Boeing is working to convert F-16 fighter aircraft into fully-fledged unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for potential use by US armed forces, IHS Jane's was told on 7 May. The company has already converted the first six of 126 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons into optionally piloted QF-16 target drones for the US Air Force (USAF), but is looking to add improved datalinks to enable the QF-16 to fly as high and as far as conventional UAVs.
7 May 2014 | Lockheed Martin
First Iraqi F-16 Completes First Flight
FORT WORTH, Texas, May 7, 2014 – Lockheed Martin successfully completed the first flight of the inaugural F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Iraq Air Force. The jet is the first of 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft on order through the U.S. Department of Defense for Iraq.
1 May 2014 | IHS Jane's
Pakistan receives first batch of Jordanian F-16s
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) formally inducted the first five of 13 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter aircraft it has bought from the Royal Jordanian Air Force in a 27 April ceremony at Mushaf airbase in Sargodha. The PAF confirmed that the 13 F-16s to be eventually inducted comprise 12 F-16As and one F-16B.
7 March 2014 | Flight Global
Israel scrambles F-16s as Syrian jets near border
Israeli air force fighters have been scrambled four times on 7 March so far, when Syrian combat aircraft approached the border with Israel on the Golan Heights.
7 March 2014 | IHS Jane's
Taiwan F-16 plans complicated by CAPES cancellation
Taiwan's F-16A/B upgrade programme suffered a major setback on 4 March after the US Air Force cut its Combat Avionics Programmed Extension Suite (CAPES) from the Pentagon's 2015 budget. The CAPES upgrade included a new AESA radar, high-resolution, multifunction colour displays and an electronic warfare suite.
13 February 2014 | Defense-Aerospace
Lockheed Flies Latest F-16 for Oman
The first of twelve Block 50 F-16s for Oman's second buy, formally called the Peace A'sama A'safiya II program, was flown for the first time on 14 January 2014. The flight set a record, coming only twenty-four months after contract award—the shortest foreign military sales production program in ...
3 February 2014 | IHS Jane's
USAF to request F-16 upgrades funds moved to SLEP in FY 2015
The US Air Force (USAF) plans to defund a major avionics upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, according to the USAF and other government officials with knowledge of the Pentagon's fiscal year 2015 (FY 2015) funding request. Money planned for development of the combat avionics programmed extension suite (CAPES) is expected to be moved to the F-16 service-life extension programme (SLEP) instead, the sources said.
28 January 2014 | IHS Jane's
Norwegian F-16s deploy to Iceland
The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF) has deployed a detachment of Lockheed Martin F-16AM Fighting Falcons to Iceland in support of a NATO training mission, the alliance reported on 29 January. Six F-16s arrived on the island on 27 January for a one-month rotation as part of NATO's 'Airborne
24 January 2014 | Raytheon
Raytheon secures first international customer for its F-16 RACR AESA radar
Contract signed with BAE Systems to provide South Korea integrated AESA radar, electronic warfare, mission computing technologies and weapon systems integration
15 January 2014 | Defense-Aerospace
Singapore Plans $2.3Bn F-16 Upgrade
WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress January 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for an upgrade of F-16 Block 52 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion. The Government of Singapore has requested an upgrade of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft...
2013
23 December 2013 | BAE Systems
South Korea Finalizes Agreement for F-16 Upgrades
The Republic of Korea has finalized an agreement with the U.S. government for BAE Systems to perform upgrades and systems integration for its fleet of more than 130 F-16 aircraft. The company will now begin the first phase of the work under contract through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program.
19 December 2013 | Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Supports Japanese F-2 Restoration Program
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 19, 2013 – In cooperation with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-2 aft and leading edge flaps as part of a restoration plan to replenish Japan’s F-2 fleet. Eighteen Japanese F-2B fighter aircraft based at Matsushima Air Base were destroyed during a tsunami that hit the nation in March 2011.
17 November 2013 | IHS Jane's
UAE yet to commit to additional F-16s
Lockheed Martin has yet to receive any official word from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with regard to the proposed sale of an additional 25 F-16E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon combat aircraft announced earlier in the year, a company official told IHS Jane's on 18 November.
12 November 2013 | Flight Global
Bahrain to launch F-16 upgrade in 2014
Bahrain is to launch a major upgrade for its Lockheed Martin F-16 combat aircraft during 2014, as a decision is also expected on acquiring a new-generation type to bolster its capabilities.
10 November 2013 | IHS Jane's
Romania requests F-16 weaponry from US
Romania has requested an arms package worth USD457 million from the United States in support of its purchase of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter aircraft from Portugal. The country is currently in the process of acquiring 12 F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon multirole fighters from Portugal, under a contract...
7 November 2013 | ACC
U.S. Airmen arrive for air exercise in Brazil
11/7/2013 - NATAL AIR BASE, Brazil -- The U.S. Air Force is taking part in Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise, a Brazilian air exercise that began Nov. 4 and is scheduled to complete Nov. 15, here. The Brazilian Air Force-led exercise combines coalition aerial refueling and Combat Search and Rescue structured training with a focus on interoperability. More than 130 U.S. Airmen are participating in CRUZEX along-side participants from Canada and multiple South American countries, totaling more than 2,000 military members between all countries. There are more than 90 aircraft taking part in CRUZEX. The U.S. Air Force will participate with ...
6 November 2013 | Flight Global
Dutch F-16 pilot strafes range control tower
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has launched an investigation after a Lockheed Martin F-16AM pilot accidentally strafed the control tower at the Vliehors range on the island of Vlieland during a training flight on 4 November.
30 October 2013 | IHS Jane's
ADEX 2013: KF-16 upgrade to be signed off by end of year
BAE Systems is working with the United States and South Korean governments to refine the plans for its upgrade of Lockheed Martin KF-16 fighters ahead of a government-to-government contract signing by the end of 2013, officials told IHS Jane's at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2013).
27 September 2013 | Defense-Aerospace
Dutch to Sell F-16s, Mavericks to Jordan
THE HAGUE --- The defence ministry is selling 15 F-16s and 52 Maverick ground-to-air missiles to Jordan. The two parties have reached an agreement in principle, Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has told the Lower House. The contract is expected to be signed at the beginning of next mon...
24 September 2013 | USAF News
First unmanned QF-16 flight takes place
The QF-16 full scale aerial target's inaugural unmanned flight occurred Sept. 19.
18 September 2013 | Flight Global
Singapore steps toward F-16 upgrade
Singapore has officially stated its intention to upgrade its Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D aircraft.
12 September 2013 | Flight Global
USAF to field F-16s with auto-GCAS in 2014
Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force are working on implementing an automatic ground collision avoidance system (auto-GCAS) for the service's F-16 Fighting...
20 August 2013 | Flight Global
AIDC, Lockheed iron out details of Taiwan F-16 upgrade
With Taiwan's push for 66 new F-16 C/D fighters in limbo, its state-owned aerospace firm is working towards securing a definitive agreement with Lockheed...
1 August 2013 | Flight Global
Northrop Grumman’s SABR wins USAF F-16 AESA upgrade bid
Lockheed Martin has selected Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar for a US Air Force and Taiwanese F-16 upgrade programme ...
16 July 2013 | ACC
USAF Thunderbirds to resume limited training flights
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Temporary funding for flying hours has been restored, allowing the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron to resume training flights again through the end of fiscal year 2013. The team will not resume aerial demonstrations previously scheduled for the 2013 calendar year.
10 April 2013 | Flight Global
South Korea picks RACR radar for F-16 upgrade
South Korea has selected the Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) to upgrade its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16C/D combat aircraft. "This win ensures...
10 April 2013 | Raytheon
RACR wins Republic of Korea F-16 radar upgrade competition
Raytheon Company announced today its Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) has been competitively selected by the Republic of Korea to upgrade the country's KF-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon fleet.
2 April 2013 | Defense-Aerospace
Turkey Plans New Fighter Alongside F-35
Turkey eyes replacing F-16s with locally produced fighter jets by 2023, Turkey’s defense undersecretary said yesterday. “We’re working on the conceptual design of a new fighter jet that will replace our F-16 fighters,” Defense Industry Undersecretary Murad Bayar said yesterday on the sidelines of th...
1 April 2013 | USAF News
Luke AFB reaches millionth-hour milestone
Luke Air Force Base reached an aircraft milestone March 13 when an F-16 Fighting Falcon took to the sky marking 1 million flying hours in this venerable jet at Luke AFB.
20 March 2013 | DefenseNews.com
Taiwan Gives Up On Partial F-16C/D Release
Taiwan has suspended an effort to convince the U.S. government to release a squadron of F-16C/D Block 50/52 fighter jets to cover the downtime of one F-16A/B squadron undergoing lengthy upgrades.
29 January 2013 | Flight Global
US Air Force hopes to upgrade aggressor F-16s
The US Air Force is hoping to upgrade its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon "aggressors" so that those aircraft can better replicate enemy fighters,...
2012
21 November 2012 | ACC
QF-16 arrives for testing, advances 53rd WEG mission
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone in continuing to prepare the warfighter for tomorrow's threats as the first QF-16 drone arrived for developmental testing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 19.
8 October 2012 | Defense-Aerospace
Israeli F-16Is Intercept UAV
This morning, an unidentified UAV invaded the Israeli aerial territory and was intercepted by an F-16I aircraft. A UAV was located this morning invading Israeli aerial territory and was successfully intercepted around 10 AM by IAF airplanes. The UAV was brought down around the northern Negev area...
1 September 2012 | DefenseNews.com
Boeing Sees Promise in F-16-to-Drone Conversion Market
Boeing sees its work turning F-16 fighters into pilotless target drones as an avenue to boost its presence in the United States and international Falcon support and upgrade market.
30 August 2012 | Flight Global
USAF details F-16 life extension programme
The US Air Force is hoping to upgrade some 300 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft as a stopgap measure until the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike...
30 August 2012 | DefenseNews.com
Romania To Buy F-16 Fighters From Portugal
Romanian Defense Minister Corneliu Dobritoiu said his country aims to buy an undisclosed number of second-hand F-16A/B jet fighters from Portugal, reported local news agency Agerpres.
23 August 2012 | DefenseNews.com
Iraq Expects First F-16 Fighter Jets in 2013
Iraq expects to receive the first group of F-16 warplanes next year, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's spokesman said Aug. 23, after U.S. officials said the aircraft would not arrive until 2014.
21 August 2012 | DefenseNews.com
U.S. Officials: Iraq to Get First U.S. F-16s in 2014
The first batch of F-16 fighter jets bought by Iraq are due to be delivered in two years, U.S. officials said Tuesday as the top American military officer was on a visit to Baghdad.
13 August 2012 | DefenseNews.com
Taiwan Seeking Fewer F-16s From U.S.
Taiwan plans to slash the number of advanced fighter jets it has been seeking from the U.S. from 66 to 24, apparently due to budget constraints, reports said Aug. 13.
1 August 2012 | Flight Global
Seoul names BAE Systems for F-16 avionics upgrade
South Korea has selected the US unit of BAE Systems to upgrade the avionics of 134 Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D aircraft, but will not make a radar supplier...
13 July 2012 | AviationWeek
Lockheed, Taiwan Sign for $3.7B in F-16 Upgrades
The U.S. government and Taiwan signed a letter of acceptance on a $3.7 billion deal to upgrade 145 F-16 fighter jets.
21 June 2012 | Defense-Aerospace
Romania Interested in Surplus Dutch F-16s
Romania is interested in buying 15 surplus F-16’s from the Dutch air force. A number of other countries have also shown interest in Dutch military vehicles and ordnance. On Thursday, the Defence Ministry confirmed reports that it is looking to sell equipment in order to raise funds. It is not cle...
10 May 2012 | Boeing
Boeing Completes 1st Flight of QF-16 Aerial Target for US Air Force
The Boeing Company and the U.S. Air Force completed the first manned flight of the QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) on May 4 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville. The QF-16 took off at 3:05 p.m. Eastern time and climbed to an altitude of 41,000 feet during its 66-minute flight. The Air Force awarded a multi-year contract to Boeing in March 2010 that represented Phase I of the initial engineering, manufacturing and development of the QF-16, with options to buy up to 126 FSATs.
2 May 2012 | Flight Global
US to re-visit F-16 C/D sales to Taiwan
The United States will re-visit the sale of Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to Taiwan, less than one year after shunning Taipei's request for new fighters.
3 April 2012 | Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Commemorates 4,500 F-16 Aircraft Deliveries
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 3, 2012 – Lockheed Martin commemorated the 4,500th F-16 Fighting Falcon delivery today with a ceremony for employees, customers, former executives and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Kay Granger and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.
26 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace
Lockheed Flies Final Moroccan F-16
The last of twenty-four Block 52 fighters for the Royal Moroccan Air Force takes off for its first flight on 15 March 2012 from NAS Fort Worth JRB. Morocco is the twenty-fifth nation to operate the F-16. The aircraft will be delivered later in 2012.
5 March 2012 | DefenseNews.com
BAE, Lockheed Face Off for Korea, Taiwan F-16 Upgrades
BAE Systems is positioning to challenge Lockheed Martin's traditional role as the F-16's sole upgrade provider, and Lockheed is scrambling to meet the challenge in South Korea and Taiwan before BAE builds momentum.
29 February 2012 | Defense-Aerospace
Pakistan Receives First Three Upgraded F-16s
ISLAMABAD --- First batch of three F-16 Block 15 MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) aircraft have arrived from Ankara, Turkey. The aircraft were earlier sent to TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) for Mid Life Upgrade and have been delivered to PAF on time. In October 2010, PAF had signed a contract with TAI...
15 February 2012 | Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V
Lockheed Martin unveiled a new version of the F-16 today at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit - all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.
9 February 2012 | Flight Global
Pakistan receives three F-16s from USA
Pakistan has received its last Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 aircraft, plus upgraded examples from the USA and Turkish Aerospace Industries ...
7 February 2012 | Flight Global
Taiwan values F-16 upgrade at NT$110 billion
Taiwan has placed the value of its Lockheed Martin F-16 A/B upgrade programme at NT$110 billion ($3.7 billion) and said talks with the US government about...
3 February 2012 | Defense-Aerospace
USAF Plans $2.8Bn F-16 Upgrade As F-35 Delays Mount
WASHINGTON --- The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it plans a $2.8 billion upgrade of about 350 of its aging F-16 multi-role fighter planes to help offset slower purchases of the next-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The work, running into the 2020s, will extend the service life of select F-16 ...
2011
21 December 2011 | DefenseNews.com
Philippines Seeks U.S. F-16s Amid China Concerns
The Philippines wants to acquire F-16 fighter jets from the United States as part of stepped up efforts to defend the archipelago, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Dec. 21.
13 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
Israel to Upgrade F-16s as F-35 Deliveries Slip
Amid growing concern that delivery of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be delayed, the Israel Air Force is moving forward with a new upgrade program for its older F-16 fighter jets. The decision to begin the upgrades on the F-16 C/D models – called “Barak” in the IAF – began in 2010 with the in...
20 November 2011 | Key.Aero
Indonesia Nears Acquisition of 24 F-16C/D Block 25s
The Indonesian Air Force is expected to conclude a deal within the next few months for acquisition of 24 surplus F-16A/B Block 25s from the US Government.
18 November 2011 | USAF News
F-16s to strengthen Iraqi air defense, partnership with U.S.
During a press conference Nov. 8 the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq. ...
28 October 2011 | Flight Global
Indonesia to acquire 24 used F-16s and nine C-295s
Indonesia has revealed plans to buy 24 ex-US Air National Guard F-16s and nine Airbus Military C-295 transports ...
28 September 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
Iraq Makes Down Payment on First Batch of F-16s
Iraq moved ahead with its plan to buy 18 Lockheed-Martin Corp. F-16 fighter jets, making its first payment on a $3 billion program that would help the new government maintain security after the U.S. military leaves. “A long-term strategic relationship with Iraq is important,” Pentagon spokesman G...
27 September 2011 | AviationWeek
Iraqi F-16 Buy Moving Forward
Deliveries of the F-100-PW-229-powered aircraft will take place in 2014 and 2015.
27 September 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
Boeing advances QF-16 Target Program
ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target program in August became the first target program to conduct software tests in a systems integration lab (SIL) environment. The program demonstrated key capabilities for the U.S. Air Force during a program review and tour. Boeing supplier pa...
15 September 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
Iraq Close to Ordering 18 F-16 Fighters
WASHINGTON --- Iraq’s potential purchase of 18 U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is an encouraging development that benefits both nations, the senior U.S. Air Force component commander in Iraq told Pentagon reporters today. “I do not have any word yet that a letter of offer and acceptance is ...
5 September 2011 | Key.Aero
Greek Air Force F-16 Squadron Disbanded
F-16-equipped 346 Mira of the Hellenic Air Force was formally disbanded on September 2.
4 September 2011 | Key.Aero
Danish F-16s Take-Over Baltic Air Policing Mission
Four F-16s from the Royal Danish Air Force took over the Baltic Air Policing mission on September 2.
30 August 2011 | Key.Aero
Final Dutch F-16s Depart for Chile
The Netherlands is completing delivery of the last of a batch of 18 surplus F-16s to the Chilean Air Force.
26 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
Northrop Competes with Itself for F-16 Radar
NEWTOWN, Conn. --- Northrop Grumman designed the APG-68(V) for air superiority and strike fighter missions, and to provide the F-16C/D with all-weather air-to-air, and air-to-ground capabilities, as well as advanced dogfight and weapons delivery capabilities. The APG-80(V) is the baseline radar ...
25 August 2011 | Flight Global
No decision yet on Taiwan F-16 sale, DoD says
A senior US Department of Defense official suggested on 24 August that the proposed sale of 66 Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds to Taiwan has not been ruled out, despite recent news reports to the contrary.
15 August 2011 | AviationWeek
US Refuses Taiwan Request For Jets: Report
Taiwan has repeatedly asked Washington to agree to sell it advanced F-16 fighter jets.
12 August 2011 | AviationWeek
Asian F-16s Could Get AESA Radars
Taiwan is seeking permission for an F-16 upgrade package; South Korea and Singapore's interest may have intensified.
4 August 2011 | MILAVIA News
Morocco Receives First Four F-16 Advanced Block 52s
The first four new Lockheed Martin advanced Block 52 F-16s produced for the Royal Moroccan Air Force departed the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 1 for their ferry flight to Morocco. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) unveiled the first four of 24 F-16 aircraft in a ceremony today at Ben Guerrir Air Base in Morocco.
3 August 2011 | Flight Global
Lockheed looks for extra F-16 orders
Production of the Lockheed Martin F-16 will begin to shut down or experience "significant gaps", unless the company secures new orders for the fighter by the end of the year.
2 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
Iraq May Double Order for F-16 Fighters
BAGHDAD --- Iraq's order for F-16 fighter jets is likely to double as Iraqi officials press for a larger purchase in negotiations with the United States. The government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is attempting to use defense contracts as a means of ensuring some U.S. troops are able to re...
2 August 2011 | CNN
Iraq again interested in buying F-16s
(CNN) -- Iraq has once again requested to buy F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from the United States after backing off from a similar proposal months ago.
30 July 2011 | Key.Aero
More Pakistan Air Force F-16A/B upgrade Kits Ordered
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a new contract to provide an additional ten upgrade kits for Pakistan Air Force F-16A/B Block 15 fighters
1 June 2011 | Defense-Aerospace
US Senators Back Sale of 66 F-16s to Taiwan
It seems as if the only thing a majority in the U.S. Senate can agree on is that they do not like any of the proposed budget plans. That is, until the subject of the sale of F-16s to Taiwan came up. In a rare demonstration of bipartisanship, and good sense, the co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Cau...
23 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin
First Lockheed Martin Advanced Block 50 F-16 Unveiled For Turkish Air Force
ANKARA, Turkey, May 23rd, 2011 -- Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) and Lockheed Martin unveiled the first of 30 new Turkish-built F-16s in ceremonies today at TAI’s facility near Ankara.
23 March 2011 | Flight Global
Danish F-16s drop their first bombs on Libya
Royal Danish Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16s have for the first time dropped weapons on Libya, the service has confirmed ...
2010
8 November 2010 | Defense-Aerospace
Lack of Money Grounds Most Dutch F-16s
THE HAGUE --- Continuing cuts in the defense budget are grounding more and more aircraft of the Dutch F-16 fleet. The aircraft are inoperative and require repairs, but money for replacement parts and repair operations is not available.
1 October 2010 | Defense-Aerospace
Thailand Plans $700M Upgrade of 18 F-16s
WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Sept. 29 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of a three-phased program to upgrade 18 F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft with the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) and associated parts, equipment, and logistical support for a complete p...
30 September 2010 | Defense-Aerospace
Dutch Prepare for F-16 Deliveries to Chile
The transfer of 18 Dutch F-16s to Chile is getting closer. Today a ceremony was held at Leeuwarden Air Base for the sale of the fighters, which have been made redundant by the Netherlands. The first six will be flown later this year to Chile. The fighters are subjected to a number of modifica...
5 August 2010 | Key.Aero
Oman looking at more F-16s
US Congress has been notified of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Oman of 18 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft.
29 July 2010 | USAF
Air Force Announces F-16 Training Mission
The secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force announced today the transition of Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., to the F-16 training mission. The Air Force determined that Holloman has the capacity to accept two F-16 training squadrons and offers ability to synergize training activities with MQ-1/9 training occurring on the same base. Transitioning Holloman to F-16 training stabilizes an enduring training mission and capitalizes on the existing airspace and range complex.more...
29 June 2010 | Key.Aero
F-16s arrive in Pakistan
The Pakistan Air Force has taken delivery of its first three F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft.
27 June 2010 | CNN
Pakistan gets first delivery of F-16 fighter jets from U.S.
The first three of an order totaling 18 American F-16 fighter jets arrived Saturday in Pakistan in the latest effort between the two countries to fight terrorism, according to the Pakistani Air Force.
25 June 2010 | Defense-Aerospace
US to Deliver First F-16 Block 52s to Pakistan
Three F-16 Fighting Falcons are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan June 26 with 15 more to be delivered later this year and next, said Maj. Todd Robbins, the Pakistan country director in the office of the undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs.
22 June 2010 | ACC
Thunderbirds announce 2011 officer selections
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the "Thunderbirds," recently announced incoming officer selections for the 2011 demonstration season.
27 May 2010 | Key.Aero
First F-16 for drone conversion is selected
The first retired F-16C has arrived at Jacksonville, Florida for conversion into a QF-16 aerial drone.
21 May 2010 | AviationWeek
Dutch Plan F-16 Software Upgrade
The upgrade to the M6.5 standard is being made with an eye to keeping the fighter viable until the end of the decade
13 April 2010 | Flight Global
Elbit to build F-16I training centre for Israel
Elbit Systems is to begin construction work soon on a new networked simulator building for the Israeli air force's Lockheed Martin F-16I strike aircraft ...
25 March 2010 | Key.Aero
Denmark rationalises F-16 fleet
Denmark has postponed its decision on a replacement for its fleet of F-16 fighters until 2014.
24 March 2010 | Key.Aero
Romania wants F-16s
Romania's Supreme Defence Council has approved the buy of 24 second-hand F-16 fighters.
9 March 2010 | Key.Aero
US Air Force to get QF-16 drones
Boeing is to develop an F-16 drone.
2007
10 October 2007 | MILAVIA News
RNLAF F-16s Reach 7500 Flight Hours Over Afghanistan
The Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16s have reached the milestone of 7500 flight hours over Afghanistan as part of the ISAF mission.
10 June 2007 | MILAVIA News
Last Six of 18 ex-RNLAF F-16 MLU Delivered to Chile
On June 3, 2007, the last batch of six former RNLAF F-16 fighters departed from Twenthe AB in the Netherlands to be handed over to Fuerza AĂ©rea de Chile (FACh) in a ceremony on June 7.
21 May 2007 | MILAVIA News
Six ex-RNLAF F-16BM Fighters Sold to Jordan
In May 2007, it was announced that the Netherlands Ministry of Defence had signed a contract with Jordan on April 12, 2007, for the sale of six ex-RNLAF F-16B Midlife Update (MLU) two-seat fighters.
11 May 2007 | MILAVIA News
Turkey To Buy 30 Additional F-16 Block 50 Fighters
The governments of Turkey and the United States have signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the sale of 30 additional Lockheed Martin Advanced F-16 Block 50+ aircraft to Turkey.
2006
8 September 2006 | MILAVIA News
Chile Receives First Six ex-RNLAF F-16s
The first six of 18 ex-RNLAF F-16 MLU fighters were delivered to the Fuerza AĂ©rea de Chile (FACh) on September 4, 2006.
9 June 2006 | MILAVIA News
U.S. Air Force F-16 airstrike kills al-Zarqawi
Two U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, supporting coalition actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, dropped precision munitions near Baquba, Iraq, on June 7, killing al Qaida’s leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other terrorists.
23 April 2006 | MILAVIA News
Lockheed Martin Delivers 4,300th F-16
On April 21th, 2006, Lockheed Martin announced it had delivered the 4,300th F-16 fighter aircraft. F-16 number 4,300 will be in service for Oman, which has purchased 12 Advanced Block 50 F-16s in the Peace A’sama A’safiyah (Clear Skies) Foreign Military Sales program.
21 April 2006 | MILAVIA News
Jordan to buy Dutch and Belgian F-16s
On April 20th, 2006, the Netherlands and Belgium signed a letter of intent for the sale of a total of 20 F-16 fighters to Jordan.
21 March 2006 | MILAVIA News
First Poland-destined F-16 Completes Maiden Flight
Lockheed Martin announced the successful completion of the maiden flight by the first Polish F-16 Block 52+.
2005
21 November 2005 | MILAVIA News
Jordan Buys Ex-RNLAF F-16s
Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and the Dutch Ministry of Defence signed a Declaration of Intent regarding the sale of three Dutch F-16s.
6 August 2005 | MILAVIA News
First F-16 delivered to Oman
On August 4th, Lockheed Martin formally delivered the first F-16 Block 50 to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at a ceremony at Forth Worth, Texas.
30 July 2005 | MILAVIA News
U.S. to deliver two F-16s to Pakistan
The Bush administration has approved an initial shipment to Pakistan of two older but refurbished F-16s
24 July 2005 | MILAVIA News
Lockheed Martin receives Turkish F-16 upgrade contract
Lockheed Martin has formally received the contract to start the development of the systems upgrade for Turkish Air Force F-16 fighters.
4 May 2005 | MILAVIA News
UAE celebrates arrival of F-16E/Fs
On 3 May 2005, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated arrival of its first batch of 10 F-16E/F 'Desert Falcon' fighters.
26 April 2005 | MILAVIA News
Turkey to upgrade F-16 fleet
US and Turkish government officials signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the systems upgrade of Turkish F-16 aircraft at an estimated value of $1.1 billion.
16 April 2005 | MILAVIA News
Celebration First F-16 Produced for Chile
On 14 April 20005, Chile’s Minister of National Defense, Mr. Jaime Ravinet, joined other Chilean and U.S. officials at Fort Worth, Texas, in celebrating completion of the first F-16 produced for the Chilean Air Force, or Fuerza Aérea de Chile (FACH).
25 March 2005 | MILAVIA News
RNLAF F-16 Deployments
On next Tuesday, 29 March 2005, a detachment of four RNLAF F-16s from Leeuwarden AB will be deployed to Siauliai AB in Lithuania to defend the air space of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
14 January 2005 | MILAVIA News
Norwegian F-16s protect Baltic States
On last Wednesday 12 January 2005, the Norwegian Air Force took over the air defence of the Baltic States from the British Royal Air Force. Arriving in pairs on Monday and Wednesday, four Norwegian F-16 fighters took over from four Tornado F.3 fighters.
2004
20 August 2004 | MILAVIA News
Six RNLAF F-16s will deploy to Manas AB
The Dutch government decided to send a detachment of six F-16 fighters from Volkel AB and one KDC-10 tanker to Kyrgyzstan.
8 August 2004 | MILAVIA News
Japan to stop procurement of F-2 fighter
Japanese Defence Agency plans to discontinue procurement of the F-2 fighter within a few years, an agency source said Saturday. The plan, which is part of the review of the Air Self-Defense Forces' fighter units, will be incorporated into the new five-year Defense Buildup Program that is to be drawn up by the end of this year.
The agency has concluded that the F-2 is the least cost-effective of all available options, making it necessary for the agency to procure an alternative aircraft.
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