Lockheed Martin Offers U.S. New F-16Gs After 26-Year Hiatus

Résumé en français

Lockheed Martin a proposé à l'US Air Force une nouvelle variante de chasseur désignée F-16G, basée sur le F-16 Block 70, afin de remplacer sa flotte vieillissante. Cette proposition intervient alors que le dernier achat de F-16 par l'armée américaine remonte à 26 ans et que la production des F-35 peine à répondre aux besoins de renouvellement. Le F-16G proposé intègre des réservoirs conformes, des systèmes de défense améliorés, un radar modernisé, un système IRST, une nacelle de ciblage SNIPER ainsi qu'un parachute de freinage. Pour l'instant, l'US Air Force n'a confirmé aucune décision d'achat concernant cette nouvelle version.

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Lockheed Martin has offered the U.S. Air Force a new version of the F-16 fighter designated F-16G as an option to replace some of its older F-16s.

Aviation Week reported on this.

The F-16G is being developed based on the latest F-16 Block 70 version, with additional upgrades to its radar and defensive systems.

In particular, the fighter will carry conformal fuel tanks to increase its range.

It will also be capable of using an infrared search and track (IRST) system and the SNIPER targeting pod. Another feature will be a drag chute.

Render of the F-16V Block 70 fighter jet. Photo credits: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin’s proposal is related to the aging U.S. F-16 fleet.

The U.S. military placed its last order for F-16 fighters 26 years ago, after which it focused solely on upgrading and extending the service life of its existing fleet.

In addition, the proposal comes at a time when the F-35 manufacturer is unable to produce enough aircraft to replace retiring fighters in a timely manner.

According to the U.S. military’s estimates, increasing fighter procurement could raise the total number of combat aircraft from 1,098 in fiscal year 2026 to 1,558 by 2035.

U.S. Air Force F-16CJ fighter jet armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles and an AN/ASQ-213 HTS pod. Photo credits: U.S. Air Force

At the same time, the U.S. Air Force has not yet confirmed any decision to purchase the F-16G. Lockheed Martin has also not disclosed details of its proposal, stating only that it is ready to support the U.S. Air Force’s needs.

In addition to the United States, Lockheed Martin is also offering new F-16 versions to other countries. One of them is India, which has been offered the rebranded F-21 variant.

Militarnyi previously reported that Peru is preparing to purchase a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. Overall, the Peruvian Air Force rearmament program calls for acquiring 24 fighter jets.

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Source : Новини – Ukrainian military portal ([Global] military aviation) — Приходько Роман