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Lockheed Martin has officially unveiled the first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft – destined for Europe – at its facility in South Carolina.
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The fourth-generation, single-seat, multi-role military fight jet is the first of 14 aircraft (including two two-seater trainers) to be delivered to the Slovak Republic, as the first European country to receive the aircraft.
Slovak Republic Minister of Defence Martin Sklenár met with Lockheed Martin integrated fighter group vice-president OJ Sanchez to view the 1001 numbered aircraft during the official unveiling ceremony.
The new aircraft features advanced APG-83 AESA radar for quicker all-weather targeting, situational awareness, zoom and target area detail. It also has a new, high-resolution centre pedestal display for critical tactical imagery to pilots and an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System to reduce controlled flight into terrain incidents.
“These F-16s will enable the Slovak Air Force to stay ahead of threats in the region, and be part of the allied mission in Europe, NATO and around the world,” Sanchez said.
“This jet represents the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin, the United States, the Slovak Republic, and allies.”
The Slovak Republic is one of six countries opting for the Block 70/72 aircraft, including Taiwan, Jordan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, and an unnamed buyer.
More than 3,100 F-16s are in operation internationally across 25 countries, have flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours, and taken part in at least 13 million sorties.
The Block 70/72 is rated to a structural life of 12,000 hours and is expected to act as a readily maintainable jet with at least 40 years of service life for most air forces.
