Morocco Receives First Four F-16 Advanced Block 52s
04 Aug 2011
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. Senior representatives from the Moroccan and U.S. governments and air forces were present for the historic event.
This makes Morocco the 25th country to own and operate the F-16.
Morocco ordered a total of 16 single-seat F-16Cs and eight twin-seat F-16Ds in May 2008. The first F-16C for Morocco made its maiden flight from Fort Worth in October 2010, followed by the first F-16D in November 2010.
Last month, four Royal Moroccan Air Force officers, former F-5 pilots, have concluded 15 months of instruction at the 162nd Fighter Wing, the international F-16 training unit at Tucson International Airport, Arizona. Six additional Moroccan pilots are in the basic F-16 course with graduation planned for September.
The RMAF F-16s will be based at Ben Guerir Air Base, located about 36 miles north of Marrakech.
The purchase is part of a wider modernization of the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The F-16s will replace the ageing F-5 fleet. 27 fighter of the RMAF Mirage F1 fleet are updated by ASTRAC, a joint venture between Thales and Sagem’s SAFRAN. The first upgraded aircraft made its maiden flight on October 19, 2009. Replace the T-34 basic trainers and T-37 jet trainers are 24 Beechcraft T-6C Texan IIs, the first 12 were delivered in May 2011. Four C-27J Spartans were acquired as well to modernize the transport fleet, the first arrived in July 2010.
- Sources
- Lockheed Martin, First Four Lockheed Martin F-16s Produced For Morocco Depart On Ferry Flight, Press Release 1 August, 2011
- U.S. Air Force, First Moroccan F-16 pilots to complete training in Arizona, News 28 June, 2011, 162nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
- Defense Industry Daily, Morocco’s Air Force Reloads, May 22, 2011
- Lockheed Martin, Lockheed Martin Delivers Morocco’s First Advanced F-16s, Press Release 4 August, 2011
2024
9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News
Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans
SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.
A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.
Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
2022
12 January 2022 | ACC
Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.
2021
20 May 2021 | RAF
Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows
Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years.
14 March 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces
RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.
11 March 2021 | USAF News
Air Force receives first F-15EX
The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.
25 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight
The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
17 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year
RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.
2020
23 March 2020 | RAF
Training update for the Red Arrows
… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.
21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News
Air Show Cancellations
The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.
13 March 2020 | ACC
U.S. Air Force update for air show support
"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "
Back to Index
