General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon: Difference between revisions

  | type             = [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole fighter]],<br>[[air superiority fighter]]

  | national_origin   = United States

  | manufacturer     = {{ubl|[[General Dynamics]]<br>(1974–1993)|[[Lockheed Corporation]]<br>(1993–1995)|[[Lockheed Martin]]<br>(1995–present)}}

  | builder           = {{ubl|[[SABCA]] (1979–1985)|[[Fokker]] (1979–1982)|[[Korea Aerospace Industries|KAI]] (1994–2004)|[[Turkish Aerospace Industries|TUSAŞ]] (1987–2011)}}

  | first_flight     = {{ubl|{{Start date and age|1974|01|20|df=yes|br=y}} (unplanned);|{{Start date and age|1974|02|02|df=yes|br=y}} (official)}}

  | introduction     = {{Start date and age|1978|08|17|df=yes|br=y}}

  | retired           =  

  | status           = In service

  | number_built     = 4,604 (as of June 2018)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/aviation/article186288298.html |title= How the F-16 fighter jet put Fort Worth on the aerospace map |work= Fort Worth Star-Telegram |access-date= 24 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171124152750/http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/aviation/article186288298.html |archive-date= 24 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bahrain">{{Cite press release |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2018-06-25-Lockheed-Martin-Awarded-Contract-to-Build-F-16-Block-70-Aircraft-for-Bahrain |title=Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract to Build F-16 Block 70 Aircraft for Bahrain | publisher=[[Lockheed Martin]] | date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022206/https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2018-06-25-Lockheed-Martin-Awarded-Contract-to-Build-F-16-Block-70-Aircraft-for-Bahrain |archive-date=29 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

  | variants         = [[General Dynamics X-62 VISTA]]

  | developed_into   = {{ubl|[[Vought Model 1600]]|[[General Dynamics F-16XL]]|[[Mitsubishi F-2]]}}

The aircraft was first developed by [[General Dynamics]] in 1974. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/16/AR2007121601522.html   |last=Rosenwald |first=Michael S. |title=Downside of Dominance? Popularity of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Makes Its F-35 Stealth Jet a Tough Sell. |date=17 December 2007 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014055458/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/16/AR2007121601522.html |archive-date=14 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> which became part of [[Lockheed Martin]] after a 1995 merger with [[Martin Marietta]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Lockheed-Martin-Corporation-Company-History.html |title=Company Histories – Lockheed Martin Corporation|work=Funding universe|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417221322/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Lockheed-Martin-Corporation-Company-History.html|archive-date=17 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since its introduction in 1978, the F-16 became a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force's tactical airpower, primarily performing strike and [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses|suppression of enemy air defenses]] (SEAD) missions; in the latter role, it replaced the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II#Variants|F-4G]] [[Wild Weasel]] by 1996. In addition to active duty in the U.S. Air Force, [[Air Force Reserve Command]], and [[Air National Guard]] units, the aircraft is also used by the [[U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds]] aerial demonstration team, the US Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3328261/meet-the-2023-air-combat-command-demonstration-team-pilots/ |title=Meet the 2023 Air Combat Command Demonstration Team Pilots |publisher=[[Air Combat Command]] |date=14 March 2023}}</ref> and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the [[United States Navy]]. The F-16 has also been procured by the air forces of 25 other nations. Numerous countries have begun replacing the aircraft with the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]], although the F-16 remains in production and service with many operators.<ref>{{cite press release |last1=Stout |first1=Joe |last2=Quincy |first2=Laurie |title=United States Government Awards Lockheed Martin Contract to Begin Production of Advanced F-16 Aircraft for Morocco |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2008-06-06-United-States-Government-Awards-Lockheed-Martin-Contract-to-Begin-Production-of-Advanced-F-16-Aircraft-for-Morocco | work=[[Lockheed Martin]] |date=8 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104091800/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/060608ae_f16morocco.html |archive-date=4 January 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Five companies responded, and in 1972, the Air Staff selected General Dynamics' Model 401 and Northrop's P-600 for the follow-on prototype development and testing phase. GD and Northrop were awarded contracts worth {{nowrap|$37.9 million}} and {{nowrap|$39.8 million}} to produce the YF-16 and [[Northrop YF-17|YF-17]], respectively, with the first flights of both prototypes planned for early 1974. To overcome resistance in the Air Force hierarchy, the [[Fighter Mafia]] and other LWF proponents{{which|date=December 2021}} successfully advocated the idea of complementary fighters in a high-cost/low-cost force mix.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://warontherocks.com/2017/01/re-thinking-the-high-low-mix-part-i-origins-story/ |title=Re-Thinking the High-Low Mix, Part I: Origins Story |date=25 January 2017 }}</ref> The "high/low mix" would allow the USAF to be able to afford sufficient fighters for its overall fighter force structure requirements. The mix gained broad acceptance by the time of the prototypes' flyoff, defining the relationship between the LWF and the F-15.{{sfn|Peacock|1997|pp=10–11}}{{sfn|Richardson|1990|pp=8–9}}

The YF-16 was developed by a team of General Dynamics engineers led by [[Robert H. Widmer]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Douglas |first1=Martin |title=Robert H. Widmer, Designer of Military Aircraft, Dies at 95. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/business/03widmer.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228092722/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/business/03widmer.html?_r=1&ref=deathsobituaries |archive-date=28 December 2016 |date=2 July 2011}}</ref> The first YF-16 was rolled out on 13 December 1973. Its 90-minute [[maiden flight]] was made at the Air Force Flight Test Center at [[Edwards AFB]], California, on 2 February 1974. Its actual first flight occurred accidentally during a high-speed taxi test on 20 January 1974. While gathering speed, a roll-control oscillation caused a fin of the port-side wingtip-mounted missile and then the starboard [[stabilator]] to scrape the ground, and the aircraft then began to veer off the runway. The test pilot, [[Phil Oestricher]], decided to lift off to avoid a potential crash, safely landing six minutes later. The slight damage was quickly repaired and the official first flight occurred on time.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a30645599/f-16-first-flight/ |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |title=That Time When the F-16 Accidentally Had Its First Flight |date=23 January 2020 |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |archive-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210803011108/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a30645599/f-16-first-flight/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The YF-16's first supersonic flight was accomplished on 5 February 1974, and the second YF-16 prototype first flew on 9 May 1974. This was followed by the first flights of Northrop's YF-17 prototypes on 9 June and 21 August 1974, respectively. During the flyoff, the YF-16s completed 330 [[sorties]] for a total of 417 flight hours;{{sfn|Richardson|1990|pp=12–13}} the YF-17s flew 288 sorties, covering 345 hours.{{sfn|Jenkins|2000|p=14}}

To reflect this serious intent to procure a new fighter-bomber, the LWF program was rolled into a new Air Combat Fighter (ACF) competition in an announcement by [[United States Secretary of Defense|U.S. Secretary of Defense]] [[James R. Schlesinger]] in April 1974. The ACF would not be a pure fighter, but [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]], and Schlesinger made it clear that any ACF order would be in addition to the F-15, which extinguished opposition to the LWF.<ref name=Richardson_p14>Richardson 1990, p. 14.</ref><ref name=Peacock_p12-3>Peacock 1997, pp. 12–13.</ref><ref name="f-16.net">{{cite web |title=YF-16 The Birth of a Fighter|url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article25.html|website=f-16.net|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709010820/http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article25.html|archive-date=9 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ACF also raised the stakes for GD and Northrop because it brought in competitors intent on securing what was touted at the time as "the arms deal of the century".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dörfer |first1=Ingemar |title=Arms Deal: The Selling of the F-16 |date=June 1983 |publisher=Praeger |access-date=23 April 2011 |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/37508/andrew-j-pierre/arms-deal-the-selling-of-the-f-16 |isbn=9780030623691}}</ref> These were [[Dassault Aviation|Dassault-Breguet's]] proposed [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1M-53]], the Anglo-French [[SEPECAT Jaguar]], and the proposed [[Saab 37 Viggen|Saab 37E "Eurofighter"]]. Northrop offered the P-530 Cobra, which was similar to the YF-17. The Jaguar and Cobra were dropped by the MFPG early on, leaving two European and two U.S. candidates. On 11 September 1974, the U.S. Air Force confirmed plans to order the winning ACF design to equip five tactical fighter wings. Though computer modeling predicted a close contest, the YF-16 proved significantly quicker going from one maneuver to the next and was the unanimous choice of those pilots that flew both aircraft.{{sfn|Coram|2002|p=305}}

To make more room for assembly of its newer [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] fighter aircraft, Lockheed Martin moved the F-16 production from Fort Worth, Texas to its plant in [[Greenville, South Carolina]].<ref name="Def1_F-16_line_to_SC">{{cite news |last1=Weisgerber |first1=Marcus |title=Lockheed to Move F-16 Production to South Carolina |url= https://www.defenseone.com/business/2017/03/lockheed-move-f-16-production-line-south-carolina/136365/ |access-date= 28 June 2018 |work= Defense One |date= 22 March 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111521/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2017/03/lockheed-move-f-16-production-line-south-carolina/136365/ |archive-date= 22 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lockheed delivered the last F-16 from Fort Worth to the [[Iraqi Air Force]] on 14 November 2017, ending 40 years of F-16 production there. The company resumed production in 2019, though engineering and modernization work will remain in Fort Worth.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Baker |first1=Max |title= How the F-16 fighter jet put Fort Worth on the aerospace map |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/aviation/article186288298.html |access-date=28 June 2018 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |date=24 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022341/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/aviation/article186288298.html |archive-date= 29 June 2018 |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFBaker2017b}}</ref> A gap in orders made it possible to stop production during the move; after completing orders for the last Iraqi purchase,<ref name="Star Telegram F-16 to SC Announced">{{cite news |last1= Baker |first1= Max |title= Lockheed Martin to shift F-16 production line to South Carolina |url= https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article140090128.html |access-date= 28 June 2018 |work= [[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |date= 22 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180629050031/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article140090128.html |archive-date= 29 June 2018 |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFBaker2017a}}</ref> the company was negotiating an F-16 sale to [[Bahrain]] that would be produced in Greenville. This contract was signed in June 2018,<ref name="bahrain" /> and the first planes rolled off the Greenville line in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviationweek.com/shownews/paris-air-show/lockheed-martin-rolls-out-second-f-16-bahrain |title=Lockheed Martin Rolls Out Second F-16 for Bahrain |last=Everstine |first=Brian |date=2023-06-21 |publisher=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |access-date=2023-06-28}}</ref>

 

[[Tata Advanced Systems]] (TASL) and Lockheed Martin signed an agreement to produce F-16 wings in India on 4 September 2018.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tata, Lockheed Martin to build F-16 wings in India |date=2018-09-04 |publisher=[[Tata Sons]] |url=https://www.tata.com/newsroom/tata-lockheed-martin-build-f16-wings-in-india |access-date=2025-07-22}}</ref> As of September 2019, the prototype wing from the Indian facility would be delivered by 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-26 |title=Lockheed to begin supplying F-16 wings from Indian plant in 2020 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/lockheed-to-begin-supplying-f-16-wings-from-indian-plant-in-2020-idUSKBN1WB1W6/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250302045955/https://www.reuters.com/article/business/lockheed-to-begin-supplying-f-16-wings-from-indian-plant-in-2020-idUSKBN1WB1W6/#selection-1089.0-1096.0 |archive-date=2025-03-02 |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> The wing prototype made in the [[Hyderabad]] facility of Tata–Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) was delivered and certified in December 2021, paving way for the facility to be the sole provider of F-16 wings to Lockheed Martin. The wings were described as "a fuel-carrying 9-''g'', 12,000-hour, interchangeable and replaceable fighter wing".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-12-08 |title=Tata, Lockheed Martin set to build F-21 wings in Hyderabad |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/now-f-21-fighter-jet-wings-all-set-to-be-made-in-hyd-by-tata-lockheed-martin-jv/articleshow/88152445.cms |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aero India: Already making in India: US firm Lockheed Martin |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/aero-india-already-making-in-india-us-firm-lockheed-martin/ |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> It is the same facility which is also the sole provider of [[Empennage|empennages]] of [[C-130J]] at a rate of 24 units per year and produced 85 units by April 2018.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tata, Lockheed Martin bring new cutting-edge aerospace technology to India |date=2018-04-18 |publisher=[[Tata Sons]] |url=https://www.tata.com/newsroom/tata-lockheed-martin-new-cutting-edge-aerospace-technology-to-india |access-date=2025-07-22}}</ref>

The F-16 has a cropped-[[delta wing]] incorporating [[blended wing body|wing-fuselage blending]] and forebody [[vortex]]-control [[Strake (aviation)|strakes]]; a fixed-geometry, underslung air intake (with [[Splitter plate (aeronautics)|splitter plate]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ibrahim |first1=I.H. |last2=Ng |first2=E.Y.K. |last3=Wong|first3=K. |title=Flight Maneuverability Characteristics of the F-16 CFD and Correlation with its Intake Total Pressure Recovery and Distortion |journal=Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics |date=19 November 2014 |volume=5 |issue=2 |pages=223–234 |doi=10.1080/19942060.2011.11015366 |s2cid=124964283| issn = 1994-2060 }}</ref>) to the single turbofan jet engine; a conventional tri-plane [[empennage]] arrangement with all-moving horizontal "stabilator" tailplanes; a pair of ventral fins beneath the fuselage aft of the wing's trailing edge; and a tricycle [[landing gear]] configuration with the aft-retracting, steerable nose gear deploying a short distance behind the inlet lip. There is a boom-style [[aerial refueling]] receptacle located behind the single-piece "bubble" canopy of the cockpit. Split-flap [[Air brake (aircraft)|speedbrakes]] are located at the aft end of the wing-body fairing, and a [[tailhook]] is mounted underneath the fuselage. A fairing beneath the rudder often houses [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM equipment]] or a [[drag chute]]. Later F-16 models feature a long dorsal fairing along the fuselage's "spine", housing additional equipment or fuel.<ref name="JAWA"/>{{sfn|Peacock|1997|pp=99–102}}

Early F-16s could be armed with up to six [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] heat-seeking short-range [[air-to-air missile]]s (AAM) by employing rail launchers on each wingtip, as well as radar-guided [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] medium-range AAMs in a weapons mix.<ref name="Spick226232">Spick 2000, pp. 226–228, 232.</ref> More recent versions support the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]], and US aircraft often mount that missile on their wingtips to reduce [[wing flutter]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |title=The Definitive Answer on Why F-16s Carry AIM-120 AMRAAMs on Their Wingtip Rails |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40382/the-definitive-answer-on-why-f-16s-carry-aim-120-amraams-on-their-wingtip-rails |website=The War Zone |date=6 May 2021 |publisher=The Drive |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142356/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40382/the-definitive-answer-on-why-f-16s-carry-aim-120-amraams-on-their-wingtip-rails |url-status=live }}</ref> The aircraft can carry various other AAMs, a wide variety of air-to-ground missiles, rockets or bombs; [[electronic countermeasure]]s (ECM), navigation, [[Targeting pod|targeting]] or [[Gun pod|weapons pod]]s; and fuel tanks on 9 [[hardpoint]]s – six under the wings, two on wingtips, and one under the fuselage. Two other locations under the fuselage are available for sensor or radar pods.<ref name="Spick226232"/> The F-16 carries a [[20 mm caliber|{{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}}]] [[M61 Vulcan|M61A1 Vulcan cannon]], which is mounted inside the fuselage to the left of the cockpit.<ref name="Spick226232"/>

To counter the tendency to depart from controlled flight and avoid the need for constant trim inputs by the pilot, the F-16 has a quadruplex (four-channel) [[fly-by-wire]] (FBW) [[Aircraft flight control system|flight control system]] (FLCS). The flight control computer (FLCC) accepts pilot input from the stick and rudder controls and manipulates the control surfaces in such a way as to produce the desired result without inducing control loss. The FLCC conducts thousands of measurements per second on the aircraft's flight attitude to automatically counter deviations from the pilot-set flight path. The FLCC further incorporates limiters governing movement in the [[Flight dynamics (fixed-wing aircraft)|three main axes]] based on attitude, airspeed, and angle of attack (AOA)/''g''; these prevent control surfaces from inducing instability such as [[slip (aerodynamic)|slips]] or [[skid (aerodynamic)|skids]], or a high AOA inducing a stall. The limiters also prevent maneuvers that would exert more than a {{nowrap|9-''g''}} load.{{sfn|Hoh|Mitchell|1983|p=5}}{{sfn|Droste|Walker|1980|loc=4: Unique Flight Control System Functional Features}}

A key feature of the F-16's cockpit is the exceptional field of view. The single-piece, [[Bird strike|bird-proof]] [[polycarbonate]] bubble canopy provides 360° all-round visibility, with a 40° look-down angle over the side of the aircraft, and 15° down over the nose (compared to the common 12–13° of preceding aircraft); the pilot's seat is elevated for this purpose. Additionally, the F-16's canopy omits the forward bow frame found on many fighters, which is an obstruction to a pilot's forward vision.<ref name="JAWA"/>{{sfn|Peacock|1997|p=99}} The F-16's [[Ejection seat#Egress systems|ACES II]] [[Zero-zero ejection seat|zero/zero ejection seat]] is reclined at an unusual tilt-back angle of 30°; most fighters have a tilted seat at 13–15°. The tilted seat can accommodate taller pilots and increases {{nowrap|''g''-force}} tolerance; however, it has been associated with reports of neck aches, possibly caused by incorrect headrest usage.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Albano |first1=J. J. |last2=Stanford |first2=J. B. |title=Prevention of minor neck injuries in F-16 pilots |journal=[[Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine]] |date=December 1998 |issue=69 |volume=12 |pages=1193–1199 |pmid=9856546 }}</ref> Subsequent U.S. fighters have adopted more modest tilt-back angles of 20°.<ref name="JAWA"/>{{sfn|Peacock|1997|pp=99–100}} Because of the seat angle and the canopy's thickness, the ejection seat lacks canopy-breakers for emergency egress; instead the entire canopy is jettisoned prior to the seat's rocket firing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=Robert |title=F-16 Fighting Falcon |date=30 May 2008 |access-date=23 March 2011 |url=https://fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/air/fighter/f16.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234034/http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/air/fighter/f16.html |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref>

The F-16A/B was originally equipped with the [[Westinghouse Electronic Systems|Westinghouse]] AN/APG-66 [[fire-control radar]]. Its slotted [[planar array]] antenna was designed to be compact to fit into the F-16's relatively small nose. In uplook mode, the APG-66 uses a low [[pulse-repetition frequency]] (PRF) for medium- and high-altitude target detection in a low-[[Clutter (radar)|clutter]] environment, and in [[look-down/shoot-down]] employs a medium PRF for heavy clutter environments. It has four operating frequencies within the X band, and provides four air-to-air and seven air-to-ground operating modes for combat, even at night or in bad weather. The Block 15's APG-66(V)2 model added more powerful [[signal processing]], higher output power, improved reliability, and increased range in cluttered or [[Radar jamming and deception|jamming]] environments. The Mid-Life Update (MLU) program introduced a new model, APG-66(V)2A, which features higher speed and more memory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avitop.com/interact/radar.htm |title=The AN/APG-66 Radar.|author=John Raahauge|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130014311/http://www.avitop.com/interact/radar.htm |archive-date=30 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The F-16E/F is outfitted with Northrop Grumman's [[AN/APG-80]] [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kopp |first1=Carlo |title=Active Electronically Steered Arrays: A Maturing Technology |date=June 2002 |issue=June |publisher=[[Air Power Australia]] |journal=[[Australian Aviation]] |volume=2002 |access-date=21 June 2008 |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/aesa-intro.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619091200/http://www.ausairpower.net/aesa-intro.html |archive-date=19 June 2008}}</ref> Northrop Grumman developed the latest AESA radar upgrade for the F-16 (selected for USAF and Taiwan's Republic of China Air Force F-16 upgrades), named the [[AN/APG-83]] Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.asdnews.com/news-51168/NGC_s_SABR_to_Help_Extend_Viability_of_USAF_F-16s_Beyond_2025.htm |title=NGC's SABR to Help Extend Viability of USAF F-16s Beyond 2025 |work=ASDNews.com |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205223148/http://www.asdnews.com/news-51168/NGC_s_SABR_to_Help_Extend_Viability_of_USAF_F-16s_Beyond_2025.htm |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.northropgrumman.com/air/sabr-scalable-agile-beam-radar-apg-83-aesa-for-the-f-16-and-legacy-aircraft/ |title=SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar) APG-83 AESA for the F-16 and Legacy Aircraft |work=Northrop Grumman |access-date=28 April 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405093039/https://www.northropgrumman.com/air/sabr-scalable-agile-beam-radar-apg-83-aesa-for-the-f-16-and-legacy-aircraft/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2007, Raytheon announced that it was developing a Next Generation Radar (RANGR) based on its earlier [[AN/APG-79]] AESA radar as a competitor to Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-68 and AN/APG-80 for the F-16.<ref name="JAWA"/> On 28 February 2020, Northrop Grumman received an order from USAF to extend the service lives of their F-16s to at least 2048 with AN/APG-83 as part of the service-life extension program (SLEP).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Donald |first1=David |title=U.S. Air Force Orders AESA Radar for F-16s |date=3 March 2020 |work=AINOnline |access-date=29 April 2020 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-03-03/us-air-force-orders-aesa-radar-f-16s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731032843/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-03-03/us-air-force-orders-aesa-radar-f-16s |archive-date=31 July 2020}}</ref>

The F-16 is being used by the active-duty USAF, [[Air Force Reserve]], and [[Air National Guard]] units, the USAF aerial demonstration team, the [[U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds]], and as an adversary-aggressor aircraft by the [[United States Navy]] at the [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2021-05-28 |title=Navy Details Its Plans To Add Ex-Air Force F-16s To Its Fleet |url=https://www.twz.com/40846/navy-details-its-plans-to-add-ex-air-force-f-16s-to-its-fleet |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref>

The U.S. Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, flew the F-16 in combat during [[Operation Desert Storm]] in 1991 and in the [[Yugoslav Wars|Balkans]] later in the 1990s. During the [[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia]], on 2 May 1999 one F-16 has been shot down over western [[Serbia]] by the [[250th Air Defence Missile Brigade]], piloted by [[David L. Goldfein]], later [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force]]. F-16s also patrolled the no-fly zones in Iraq during Operations [[Northern Watch]] and [[Southern Watch]] and served during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] and the [[Iraq War|War in Iraq]] from 2001 and 2003 respectively. In 2011, Air Force F-16s took part in the [[2011 military intervention in Libya|intervention in Libya]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/20/libya-live-blog-allied-airstrikes-continue-against-gadhafi-forces/?hpt=T1/ |title=Libya live blog: Coalition confirms strike on Gadhafi compound|publisher=CNN|date=20 March 2011|access-date=20 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419112901/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/20/libya-live-blog-allied-airstrikes-continue-against-gadhafi-forces/?hpt=T1%2F|archive-date=19 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The F-16 had been scheduled to remain in service with the U.S. Air Force until 2025.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tirpak |first1=John A. |title=Making the Best of the Fighter Force |date=March 2007 |magazine=[[Air Force Magazine]] |publisher=[[Air Force Association]] |pages=40–45 |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/2007/March%202007/0307force.pdf |url-status=live |type=pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221144805/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2007/March%202007/0307force.aspx |archive-date=21 February 2009}}</ref> Its replacement is planned to be the F-35A variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which is expected to gradually begin replacing several multirole aircraft among the program's member nations. However, owing to delays in the F-35 program, all USAF F-16s will receive service life extension upgrades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130416/NEWS/304160020/AF-seeks-F-16-fleet-upgrade-requests-19-more-F-35As |title=AF seeks F-16 fleet upgrade, requests 19 more F-35As.|work=Air Force Times|access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref> In 2022, it was announced the USAF would continue to operate the F-16 for another two decades.<ref>{{cite web |first=John A. |last=Tirpak |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/f-16s-to-serve-nearly-two-more-decades-replacement-choice-still-6-8-years-away/ |title=F-16s to Serve Nearly Two More Decades, Replacement Choice Still 6–8 Years Away |website=Air Force Magazine |date=4 April 2022 |access-date=5 April 2022 |archive-date=5 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405014835/https://www.airforcemag.com/f-16s-to-serve-nearly-two-more-decades-replacement-choice-still-6-8-years-away/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2000, Israel completed a purchase of 102 new F-16I aircraft in a deal totaling {{nowrap|$4.5 billion}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article7.html |title=F-16 Air Forces – Israel |work=F-16.net |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902045655/http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article7.html |archive-date=2 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> F-16s were also used in their ground-attack role for strikes against targets in Lebanon. IAF F-16s participated in the [[2006 Lebanon War]] and the [[Gaza War (2008–09)|2008–09 Gaza War]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Marie |last2=Allen-Mills |first2=Tony |title=Israeli jets kill 'at least 225' in strikes on Gaza |date=28 December 2008 |work=The Sunday Times |publisher=[[The Times]] |access-date=25 October 2009 |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/israeli-jets-kill-at-least-225-in-strikes-on-gaza-7vxt2pmrb39 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429082825/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5404501.ece |archive-date=29 April 2011}}</ref> During and after the 2006 Lebanon war, IAF F-16s shot down [[Iran]]ian-made [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]s launched by [[Hezbollah]], using [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|Rafael]] [[Python 5]] air-to-air missiles.<ref name= "f-16.net2">{{cite web|url=http://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/F-16/airframe-profile/2482/ |title=Airframe Details for F-16 #87-1672|work=F-16.net|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902003936/http://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/F-16/airframe-profile/2482|archive-date=2 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=IAF shoots down hostile drone from Lebanon off Haifa|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-shoots-down-drone-which-flew-south-from-Lebanon-311098|newspaper=The [[Jerusalem Post]]|date=25 April 2013|access-date=23 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928193723/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-shoots-down-drone-which-flew-south-from-Lebanon-311098|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/Video-Articles/Video/IAF-shoots-down-UAV-in-northern-Negev |title=IAF shoots down UAV in northern Negev |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=6 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827084555/http://www.jpost.com/Video-Articles/Video/IAF-shoots-down-UAV-in-northern-Negev |archive-date=27 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 10 February 2018, an Israeli Air Force F-16I [[February 2018 Israel–Syria incident|was shot down]] in northern Israel when it was hit by a relatively old model [[S-200 (missile)|S-200]] (NATO name SA-5 Gammon) surface-to-air missile of the Syrian Air Defense Force.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5131594,00.html |title=Investigation finds pilots of downed F-16 failed to defend themselves |date=25 February 2018 |newspaper=Ynetnews |access-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311082643/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5131594,00.html |archive-date=11 March 2018 |url-status=live|last1=Zitun |first1=Yoav}}</ref> The pilot and navigator ejected safely in Israeli territory. The F-16I was part of a bombing mission against Syrian and Iranian targets around Damascus after an Iranian drone entered Israeli airspace and was shot down.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/10/middleeast/israel-military-jet-crash/index.html |title=Israeli F-16 jet crashes after Syrian fire |author=Andrew Carey, Laura Smith-Spark and Nicole Chavez |publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210071644/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/10/middleeast/israel-military-jet-crash/index.html |archive-date=10 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> An Israel Air Force investigation determined on 27 February 2018 that the loss was due to pilot error since the IAF determined the air crew did not adequately defend themselves.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-air-force-investigation-into-f-16-crash-blames-pilot-error-1.5848386 |title=Israel Air Force Investigation into F-16 Crash Blames Pilot Error |newspaper=Haaretz |access-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227161755/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-air-force-investigation-into-f-16-crash-blames-pilot-error-1.5848386 |archive-date=27 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the aftermath of the [[October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel|7 October 2023 attacks]], F-16Is have played a major role in Israel's [[Operation Swords of Iron]], executing numerous airstrikes against [[Hamas]] targets in Gaza. The IAF has also employed F-16s in operations against [[Hezbollah]] in Lebanon and in strikes on Iranian-linked assets in Syria and [[Iraq]], demonstrating the aircraft's versatility and reach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Urso |first=Stefano |date=2023-10-12 |title=Configuration And Payload Of The Aircraft Employed By Israel In The Fight Against Hamas |url=https://theaviationist.com/2023/10/12/iaf-aircraft-war-with-hamas/?utm_ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref>

Israeli F-16s have been instrumental in operations against [[Houthis|Houthi]] targets in Yemen, taking advantage of the F-16's extended operational range and strategic reach, flying a distance of approximately 1,700 kilometers (about 1,056 miles).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Altman |first=Howard |date=2024-07-20 |title=Israel Fighter Jets Carry Out Long-Range Retaliation Strike On Houthi Oil Depot In Yemen (Updated) |url=https://www.twz.com/news-features/israel-fighter-jets-carry-out-long-range-retaliation-strike-on-houthi-oil-depot-in-yemen |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref> Notably, on December 26, 2024, as part of [[Operation Tselilei HaKerem|Operation Tzelilei HaKerem]], the IAF conducted airstrikes targeting [[Sanaa International Airport|Sana'a International Airport]] and other strategic locations, responding to Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Israel launches airstrikes on Yemen a day after Houthi rebels strike Israeli airport |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-airstrikes-houthi-rebels-airport-ea0ea0ca695a3a07c71c18bedc987c3e |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:84606 General Dynamics F-16BM 11(MR) 39W Pakistan Air Force Konya AFB 30.6.22 (52233200683).jpg|thumb|left|The PAF F-16BM (S. No. 84-606) which shot down one of the Indian jets during [[2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes|Operation Swift Retort]] (kill mark visible on nose)]]

During the [[Soviet–Afghan War]], [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) F-16As shot down between 20 and 30 Soviet and Afghan [[warplanes]]; the political situation however resulted in PAF officially recognizing only 9 kills which were made inside Pakistani airspace.<ref>{{cite journal|quote=due to political reasons, the kills made inside Afghan airspace by the PAF (estimated to be between 20 and 30, were never officially recognized or disclosed. To date, PAF officially recognized only the eight kills made inside Pakistani airspace and one forced manoeuvre kill.|website=Defence Journal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030422020522/http://defencejournal.com:80/2003/mar/airman.htm|url=http://defencejournal.com:80/2003/mar/airman.htm|archive-date=22 April 2003|title=An Airman Remembered|author=Rai Muhammad Saleh Azam}}</ref> From May 1986 to January 1989, PAF F-16s from the [[Tail Choppers]] and [[No. 9 Squadron PAF|Griffin]] squadrons using mostly AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, shot down four [[Afghan Air Force|Afghan]] [[Sukhoi Su-17|Su-22s]], two [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23s]], one [[Sukhoi Su-25|Su-25]], and one [[Antonov An-26|An-26]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pafwallpapers.com/kill_illustrations.htm |title= PAF F-16 air kills illustrations |publisher= PAFwallpapers.com |access-date= 5 July 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120115121441/http://www.pafwallpapers.com/kill_illustrations.htm |archive-date= 15 January 2012 |url-status= dead}}</ref> Most of these kills were by missiles, but at least one, a Su-22, was destroyed by cannon fire. One F-16 was lost in these battles. The downed F-16 was likely [[friendly fire|hit accidentally]] by the other F-16.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article14.html |title= F-16 Air Forces – Pakistan |publisher= F-16.net |access-date= 8 September 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110529022627/http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article14.html |archive-date= 29 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

 

On 7 June 2002, a PAF F-16B Block 15 (S. No. 82-605) shot down an Indian Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle, an Israeli-made [[IAI Searcher|Searcher II]], using an AIM-9L Sidewinder missile, during a night interception near [[Lahore]].<ref name="Vaya-20020607">{{cite web |title=IAF's Searcher-II Loss on June 07, 2002 |url=http://vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com/other-Parakram-IAF-UAV-Wreckage.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123123614/http://vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com/other-Parakram-IAF-UAV-Wreckage.html |archive-date=23 January 2009 |access-date=1 March 2012 |publisher=Vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com}}</ref>

On 27 February 2019, following [[2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes|six Pakistan Air Force airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir, India]], Pakistani officials said that two of its fighter jets shot down one [[MiG-21]] and one [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]] belonging to the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofislamabad.com/17-Apr-2019/in-a-first-paf-chief-reveals-shooting-down-of-iaf-russian-made-su-30-mki-inside-details-of-indian-combat-helicopter-downing|title=In a first, PAF Chief reveals shooting down of IAF Russian made Su 30 MKI, inside details of Indian Combat Helicopter downing|date=17 April 2019|work=Times of Islamabad|access-date=27 October 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101021905/https://timesofislamabad.com/17-Apr-2019/in-a-first-paf-chief-reveals-shooting-down-of-iaf-russian-made-su-30-mki-inside-details-of-indian-combat-helicopter-downing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html |title=Pakistan shoots down two Indian fighter jets: Military |date=27 February 2019 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228124544/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-downed-two-iaf-jets-identifies-pilots-behind-act/story-KekUb5nSBzJHksW5GpWiuI.html |title=Pakistan says it downed two IAF jets, identifies pilots behind act |date=6 March 2019 |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103111401/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-downed-two-iaf-jets-identifies-pilots-behind-act/story-KekUb5nSBzJHksW5GpWiuI.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html |title=Pakistan says it shot down two Indian jets as Kashmir border crisis deepens |author1=Helen Regan |author2=Nikhil Kumar |author3=Adeel Raja |author4=Swati Gupta |publisher=CNN |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227081256/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Indian officials only confirmed the loss of one MiG-21 but denied losing any Su-30MKI in the clash and claimed the Pakistani claims as dubious.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2019 |title=On Air Force Day, India flies the Sukhoi-30MKI that Pak claimed to have shot down |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/air-force-day-india-flies-sukhoi-30mki-pak-claimed-have-shot-down-110169 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929143143/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/air-force-day-india-flies-sukhoi-30mki-pak-claimed-have-shot-down-110169 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2019 |title=Sukhoi Fighter Jet 'Shot Down' by Pakistan Makes Appearance at Indian Air Force Day Flypast |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/sukhoi-fighter-jet-shot-down-by-pakistan-makes-appearance-at-indian-air-force-day-flypast-2337989.html |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313163302/https://www.news18.com/news/india/sukhoi-fighter-jet-shot-down-by-pakistan-makes-appearance-at-indian-air-force-day-flypast-2337989.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally Indian officials also claimed to have shot down one F-16 belonging to the Pakistan Air Force.<ref name="iex">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-pakistan-tension-amraam-missile-debris-f16-jet-5605806/|title=India's Exhibit A: Debris of AMRAAM missile that nails Pakistan's F-16 denial|date=1 March 2019|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=25 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625074908/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-pakistan-tension-amraam-missile-debris-f16-jet-5605806/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japantimes">{{cite web |date=9 April 2019 |title=Radar images prove Pakistan F-16 shot down, says Indian Air Force |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/09/asia-pacific/radar-images-prove-pakistan-f-16-shot-says-indian-air-force/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410132333/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/09/asia-pacific/radar-images-prove-pakistan-f-16-shot-says-indian-air-force/#.XK3ucGjP3IU |archive-date=10 April 2019 |work=The Japan Times}}</ref> This was denied by the Pakistani side,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Marlow |first1=Iain |title=India Never Shot Down Pakistani F-16, New Report Says |url=https://time.com/5564980/india-never-shot-pakistani-plane-kashmir/ |magazine=Time |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405172535/http://time.com/5564980/india-never-shot-pakistani-plane-kashmir/ |url-status=live }}</ref> considered dubious by neutral sources,<ref>{{Cite web |title=IAF Did Not Shoot Down Pak F-16 in Balakot Aftermath, Says US Scholar Christine Fair |url=https://thewire.in/security/christine-fair-iaf-balakot-pakistan-f16 |access-date=30 January 2023 |website=The Wire |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109175530/https://thewire.in/security/christine-fair-iaf-balakot-pakistan-f16 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2019 |title=No proof India shot down Pakistan F-16 |url=https://asiatimes.com/2019/03/no-proof-india-shot-down-pakistan-f-16/ |access-date=30 January 2023 |website=Asia Times |language=en-US |archive-date=19 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219105218/https://asiatimes.com/2019/03/no-proof-india-shot-down-pakistan-f-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and later backed by a report by ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine, reporting that the US had completed a physical count of Pakistan's F-16s and found none missing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/|title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No.|last=Seligman|first=Lara|website=Foreign Policy|date=4 April 2019 |language=en|access-date=5 April 2019|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123193754/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/|url-status=live}}</ref> A report by ''[[The Washington Post]]'' noted that [[the Pentagon]] and [[United States Department of State|State Department]] refused public comment on the matter but did not deny the earlier report.<ref name=wapo>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/17/did-india-shoot-down-pakistani-f-back-february-this-just-became-big-deal/ |title=Analysis &#124; Did India shoot down a Pakistani F-16 in February? This just became a big deal. |first1=Sameer |last1=Lalwani |first2=Emily |last2=Tallo |newspaper=The Washington Post |quote=Indian media reported that a U.S. Defense Department spokesman said he was unaware of any investigation. The Pentagon, like the State Department, has yet to issue a public statement on the F-16 count, but there have been no counter-leaks contradicting the Foreign Policy report. |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130122209/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/17/did-india-shoot-down-pakistani-f-back-february-this-just-became-big-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 May 2025, a PAF F-16 was reported to have been shot down,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/1082189/from-the-fall-of-islamabad-to-an-attack-on-karachi-5-fake-stories-that-indian-tv-news-ran-with |title=From the fall of Islamabad to an attack on Karachi: 5 fake stories that Indian TV news ran with |website=Scroll.in |date=9 May 2025 |first=Rokibuz |last=Zaman }}</ref> and was subsequently refuted.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2544741/security-sources-dismiss-indian-medias-f-16-claim-as-fake-news |title=Security sources dismiss Indian media's F-16 claim as 'fake news' |website=The Express Tribune |date=8 May 2025 |first=Zeeshan |last=Ahmed}}</ref>

The Turkish Air Force acquired its first F-16s in 1987. F-16s were later produced in Turkey under four phases of ''Peace Onyx'' programs. In 2015, they were upgraded to Block 50/52+ with [[Constantly computed impact point|CCIP]] by Turkish Aerospace Industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article21.html|title=F-16 Air Forces – Turkey|website=f-16.net|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412212033/https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article21.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Turkish F-16s are being fitted with indigenous AESA radars and EW suite called SPEWS-II.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/defense/2019/02/07/turkeys-f-16-jets-equipped-with-new-domestic-electronic-warfare-systems|title=Turkey's F-16 jets equipped with new domestic electronic warfare systems|first=daily|last=sabah|date=7 February 2019|website=Daily Sabah|access-date=21 December 2020|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305123508/https://www.dailysabah.com/defense/2019/02/07/turkeys-f-16-jets-equipped-with-new-domestic-electronic-warfare-systems|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 March 2020, two Syrian Sukhoi Su-24s were shot down by Turkish Air Force F-16s using air-to-air missiles over Syria's [[Idlib Governorate]].<ref>{{cite web |title=بعد إسقاطها لمروحيتين الشهر الفائت.. القوات التركية تسقط طائرتين حربيتين تابعة للنظام السوري في أجواء محافظة إدلب |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366361 |website=SOHR |date=March 2020 |access-date=1 March 2020 |archive-date=20 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420195817/http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366361 |url-status=live }}</ref> All four pilots safely ejected.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cp24.com/world/two-syrian-jets-shot-down-near-turkish-border-pilots-survive-1.4833828|title=Two Syrian jets shot down near Turkish border, pilots survive|work=CP24 Toronto News|date=1 March 2020|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124154541/https://www.cp24.com/world/two-syrian-jets-shot-down-near-turkish-border-pilots-survive-1.4833828|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 March 2020, a Syrian Arab Army Air Force [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39]] combat trainer was shot down by a Turkish F-16 over Syria's Idlib province.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/joint-turkish-russian-patrols-to-begin-on-march-15-latest-updates-34168|title=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates|date=7 March 2020|access-date=15 February 2021|archive-date=29 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029122955/https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/joint-turkish-russian-patrols-to-begin-on-march-15-latest-updates-34168|url-status=live}}</ref> The pilot died.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20200303-syrian-pilot-killed-turkey-downs-warplane-monitor|title=Syrian pilot killed as Turkey downs warplane: monitor|date=3 March 2020|publisher=Radio France Internationale|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913201320/https://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20200303-syrian-pilot-killed-turkey-downs-warplane-monitor|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a part of Turkish F-16 modernization program new air-to-air missiles are being developed and tested for the aircraft. [[GÖKTUĞ]] program led by [[Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey|TUBITAK SAGE]] has presented two types of air-to-air missiles named as Bozdogan ([[Merlin (bird)|Merlin]]) and Gokdogan ([[Peregrine falcon|Peregrine]]). While Bozdogan has been categorized as a Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (WVRAAM), Gokdogan is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile ([[Beyond-visual-range missile|BVRAAM]]). On 14 April 2021, first live test exercise of Bozdogan have successfully completed and the first batch of missiles are expected to be delivered throughout the same year to the Turkish Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|last=SABAH|first=DAILY|date=14 April 2021|title=Turkey's air-to-air missile Bozdoğan successfully hits target|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-air-to-air-missile-bozdogan-successfully-hits-target|access-date=14 April 2021|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414083244/https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-air-to-air-missile-bozdogan-successfully-hits-target|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Turkey becomes 1 of few countries with air-to-air missile|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/science-technology/turkey-becomes-1-of-few-countries-with-air-to-air-missile/2208467|access-date=14 April 2021|website=aa.com.tr|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414085258/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/science-technology/turkey-becomes-1-of-few-countries-with-air-to-air-missile/2208467|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 February 2015, Egyptian F-16s [[February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya|struck weapons caches and training camps]] of the [[Islamic State]] (ISIS) in Libya in retaliation for the murder of 21 Egyptian [[Copts|Coptic Christian]] construction workers by masked militants affiliated with ISIS. The airstrikes killed 64 ISIS fighters, including three leaders in [[Derna, Libya|Derna]] and [[Sirte]] on the coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya |title=Egyptian air strikes in Libya kill dozens of Isis militants |author=Chris Stephen |newspaper=The Guardian |date=17 February 2015 |access-date=17 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202000126/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya |archive-date=2 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Royal Netherlands Air Force, [[Belgian Air Component]], Royal Danish Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force all fly the F-16.{{sfn|Senior|2002|p=92}} All F-16s in most European air forces are equipped with [[drag chutes]] specifically to allow them to operate from automobile highways.<ref name="kp1">{{cite news |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/analysis/31630 |title=Analysis: French Expert's Claims Ukraine's F-16s and Pilots Won't be 'Up to the Job' Disproved |date=25 April 2024 }}</ref>

On 11 July 2018, Slovakia's government approved the purchase of 14 F-16 Block 70/72 to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-made MiG-29s.<ref name=atc1>{{cite news |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/slovakias-purchase-f-16-fighter-jets/ |title=Slovakia's Government approves purchase of US F-16 fighter jets |access-date=14 July 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214181616/https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/slovakias-purchase-f-16-fighter-jets/ |archive-date=14 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> A contract was signed on 12 December 2018 in Bratislava.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flying-tigers.co.uk/2019/general-dynamics-f-16-fighting-falcon-herpa-new-model-arrivals-and-hobbymaster-new-photos/|title=General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, Herpa and Hobbymaster|date=4 July 2019|website=Flying Tigers|access-date=26 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226074235/https://www.flying-tigers.co.uk/2019/general-dynamics-f-16-fighting-falcon-herpa-new-model-arrivals-and-hobbymaster-new-photos/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 May 2024, Danish Prime Minister [[Mette Frederiksen]] said that "F-16 from Denmark will be in the air over Ukraine within months." Denmark is sending 19 F-16s in total.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-13 |title=F-16 fighters from Denmark will be in Ukraine within month - Danish PM|url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/f-16-fighters-from-denmark-will-be-in-ukraine-1715625056.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=RBC-Ukraine}}</ref> By the end of July 2024, the first F-16s were delivered to Ukraine.<ref name=Bloomberg>{{cite news|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-31/ukraine-gets-first-delivery-of-f-16-fighter-jets-after-long-wait|title= Ukraine Receives First F-16 Fighter Jets After Long Wait|work=Bloomberg|access-date=July 31, 2024}}</ref>

On [[26 August 2024 Russian strikes on Ukraine|26 August 2024]], F-16s were reportedly used to intercept Russian cruise missiles for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/27/ukraines-f-16s-have-scored-their-first-aerial-kills/|title=Forbes: Ukraine's F-16s Have Scored Their First Aerial Kills|website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref> Also on 26 August, a Ukrainian F-16 crashed and the pilot, [[Oleksii Mes]], was killed while intercepting Russian aerial targets during the cruise missile strikes. The cause is under investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tarasova-Markina |first1=Daria |last2=Kottasová |first2=Ivana |date=2024-08-29 |title=Exclusive: Top Ukrainian pilot killed when US-made F-16 fighter jet crashed |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/29/europe/ukraine-f16-crashes-intl/index.html |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

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On 20 August 2023, [[Denmark]] and the [[Netherlands]] announced the joint transfer of up to 61 F-16s to the [[Ukrainian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denmark joins Netherlands in offering F-16 jets to Ukraine as Zelenskyy visits |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/denmark-joins-netherlands-in-offering-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-as-zelenskyy-visits/ |website=CTV News |date=20 August 2023 |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820221204/https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/denmark-joins-netherlands-in-offering-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-as-zelenskyy-visits-1.6526668}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Netherlands and Denmark to donate up to 61 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/20/netherlands-to-donate-up-to-42-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine |website=The Guardian |date=20 August 2023 |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820223416/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/20/netherlands-to-donate-up-to-42-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine |last1=Sabbagh |first1=Dan }}</ref> Four days later, Norway announced the donation of 5–10 aircraft, depending on how many can be made operational.<ref name=NRK2023-08-24 /> In January 2024, the Netherlands announced the transfer of another 6 F-16s, bringing the total which will be donated by the country to 24.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/02/05/nederland-haalt-f-16s-uit-de-verkoop |title=Nederland haalt F-16's uit de verkoop |trans-title=Netherlands pulls F-16s from sale |language=Dutch |date=5 February 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205135314/https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/02/05/nederland-haalt-f-16s-uit-de-verkoop |archive-date=5 February 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2024, Belgium pledged 30 F-16 aircraft, bringing the total number of F-16s pledged to Ukraine by its allies to 85.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/05/28/the-ukrainian-air-force-wanted-four-squadrons-of-f-16s-its-finally-getting-them/?sh=690fb9e57a36 |title=The Ukrainian Air Force Wanted Four Squadrons Of F-16s. It's Finally Getting Them. |website=[[Forbes]] |date=28 May 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 }}</ref> The first F-16s were delivered by the end of July 2024.<ref name=Bloomberg>{{cite news|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-31/ukraine-gets-first-delivery-of-f-16-fighter-jets-after-long-wait|title= Ukraine Receives First F-16 Fighter Jets After Long Wait|work=Bloomberg|access-date=July 31, 2024}}</ref> Text moved from Operators section. This should be added and/or combined with other text in this subsection. -->

Ukraine has confirmed the loss of four F-16 fighters and three pilots as of June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kottasová |first=Kostya Gak, Helen Regan, Billy Stockwell, Ivana |date=2025-06-29 |title=Ukraine loses an F-16 pilot and his jet while fighting one of Russia's biggest ever aerial attacks |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/europe/ukraine-f-16-pilot-killed-russia |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>  

The second crash occurred on 12 April 2025. Ukraine stated that pilot Pavlo Ivanov was killed in action flying an F-16.<ref name=nw-20250412>{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-f-16-pilot-killed-2058982 |title=Ukrainian F-16 Fighter Pilot Killed in Action |last=Cole |first=Brendan |newspaper=Newsweek |date=12 April 2025 |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref><ref name=ki-20250412>{{cite news |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-f-16-pilot-pavlo-ivanov-killed-during-combat-mission/ |title=Ukrainian F-16 pilot Pavlo Ivanov killed during combat mission |last=Bandouil |first=Sonya |website=The Kyiv Independent |date=12 April 2025 |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> BBC-Ukraine reported that [[Russian Armed Forces]] fired three missiles at the F-16, which was probably flying over the [[Sumy region]], either from an [[S-400 missile system|S-400 ground-to-air system]] or [[R-37 (missile)|R-37]] air-to-air missiles.<ref name=bbc-20250412>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cly189xz210o |title=Україна заявила про загибель пілота F-16. За даними ВВС, його літак збила ракета РФ |trans-title=Ukraine says F-16 pilot killed. According to BBC, his plane was shot down by Russian missile |work=BBC Україна |date=12 April 2025 |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref>

The fourth crash occurred on 29 June 2025. A Ukrainian F-16 was lost and the pilot killed while repelling a Russian missile and drone attack, the third F-16 Ukraine has lost in such a way. The pilot, Lieutenant Colonel [[Maksym Ustymenko]], "used all of his onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets". The seventh damaged his fighter and forced him to fly away from a residential area before crashing.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ukraine pilot killed, F-16 fighter jet lost, Ukrainian military says |url= https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-pilot-killed-f-16-fighter-jet-lost-ukrainian-military-says-2025-06-29/| author= Pavel Polityuk |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Reuters|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko killed while repelling Russian attack |url= https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukrainian-f-16-pilot-maksym-ustymenko-killed-1751178073.html | author= OLEKSANDRA BASHCHENKO |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=RBC News Ukraine|language=en}}</ref>

 

Two F-16B of the [[Indonesian Air Force]] intercepted and engaged several US Navy F/A-18 Hornets over the [[Java Sea]] in the [[2003 Bawean incident]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Indonesian, U.S. Jets Face Off Near Java |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-05-fg-indo5-story.html |work=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |date=5 July 2003 |access-date=31 December 2024 }}</ref>

On 11 October 2023, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Mira Resnick confirmed to [[Jorge Argüello]], [[Argentina|Argentinean]] ambassador to the US, that the State Department has approved the transfer of 38 F-16s from [[Denmark]].<ref>{{cite web |date=13 October 2023 |title=US State Department clears transfer of 38 F-16 fighters from Denmark to Argentina |url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9293-us-state-department-clears-the-transfer-of-38-f-16-viper-fighter-jets-from-denmark-to-argentina.html |website=airrecognition.com}}</ref> On 16 April 2024, it was announced by defense minister [[Luis Petri]] that the country went through with the purchase of 24+1 Danish F-16s, that are to be brought up to date before they are sent to Argentina.<ref name="Mainardi">{{Cite web |last=Mainardi |first=Patricia Fernández |date=2024-10-16 |title=F-16 Fighting Falcon: ¿cuándo arribarán a Argentina los 24 aviones comprados a Dinamarca? |url=https://defonline.com.ar/defensa/f-16-fighting-falcon-cuando-arribaran-a-argentina-los-24-aviones-comprados-a-dinamarca/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=DefOnline |language=es-AR |ref=CITEREFMainardi2024a}}</ref> The 25th plane, an F-16B MLU Block 10, meant for mechanics training, came disassembled in an Argentinian [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130]] in late December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mainardi |first=Patricia Fernández |date=2024-12-21 |title=El primer F-16 ya está en Argentina: cuántos llegarán en 2025 y el balance de Petri sobre su primer año de gestión |url=https://www.infobae.com/def/2024/12/21/el-primer-f-16-ya-esta-en-argentina-cuantos-llegaran-en-2025-y-el-balance-de-petri-sobre-su-primer-ano-de-gestion/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=infobae |language=es-AR |ref=CITEREFMainardi2024b}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Argentina chooses US-built F-16 fighters over Chinese JF-17s |url=https://en.mercopress.com/2024/01/29/argentina-chooses-us-built-f-16-fighters-over-chinese-jf-17s |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=MercoPress |language=en}}</ref> The first aircraft, a F-16B, was unveiled in [[Buenos Aires]] on 24 February 2025.<ref name="ArgDeliv">{{cite web |title=Argentine Air Force unveils first F-16 Fighting Falcon |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/industry/argentine-air-force-unveils-first-f-16-fighting-falcon |website=Jane's |access-date=29 April 2025 |date=28 February 2025}}</ref> 

 

 

 

 

In 2021, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved the [[Philippines]]' purchase of 12 F-16s worth an estimated US$2.43 billion. However, the Philippines has yet to complete this deal due to financial constraints with negotiations ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Philippines – F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/philippines-f-16-block-7072-aircraft |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315195516/https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/philippines-f-16-block-7072-aircraft |archive-date=2025-03-15 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency (dsca.mil)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dangwal |first=Ashish |date=2023-12-23 |title=Philippines Seeks Fighting Falcons To Fight China; Negotiates With US To Acquire 'Combat Proven' F-16 Jets |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/under-attack-from-china-philippines-in-talks-with-us-to/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214101009/https://www.eurasiantimes.com/under-attack-from-china-philippines-in-talks-with-us-to/ |archive-date=2024-12-14 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Eurasian Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In April 2025, the possible sale of 20 F-16s were approved, upgrading the previous approval made by DSCA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea |date=2 April 2025 |title=US State Department OKs 'possible' sale of F-16s to the Philippines |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/united-states-oks-sale-f-16-fighter-jets-april-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404233136/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/united-states-oks-sale-f-16-fighter-jets-april-2025/ |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=2 April 2025 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Philippines – F-16 Aircraft |url=https://www.dsca.mil/Congressional-Notification-Archive/Article/4142323/philippines-f-16-aircraft |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250424175157/https://www.dsca.mil/Congressional-Notification-Archive/Article/4142323/philippines-f-16-aircraft |archive-date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-05-21 |work=Defense Security Cooperation Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> It was reported in May 2025 that Lockheed Martin was interested in developing a facility similar to the Center for Innovation and Security Solutions in [[Abu Dhabi]], depending on the success of the F-16s being sold.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-05-21 |title=Building a Philippine defense hub |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/183367/building-a-philippine-defense-hub |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521131252/https://opinion.inquirer.net/183367/building-a-philippine-defense-hub |archive-date=2025-05-21 |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, multiple news channels reported that Vietnam is finalizing an agreement to purchase at least 24 F-16s, possibly the F-16V variant.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Reuben |date=2025-04-18 |title=Vietnam Has Reached An Agreement to Buy U.S. F-16 Fighter Jets |url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/04/vietnam-has-reached-an-agreement-to-buy-u-s-f-16-fighter-jets/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=19FortyFive |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodson |first=Lake |date=2025-04-22 |title=Why Vietnam Wants to Buy the F-16 Fighting Falcon from America |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-vietnam-wants-to-buy-the-f-16-fighting-falcon-from-america |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=The National Interest |language=en-US}}</ref>

In January 2021, Canadian defence contractor [[Top Aces]] announced that they had taken delivery of the first civilian owned F-16s to their US HQ in Mesa, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Aces Brings 1st Israeli F-16s Back to the US |date=19 February 2021 |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/top-aces-brings-1st-israeli-f-16s-back-to-the-us/}}</ref> In an approval process that had taken years, they had purchased a batch of 29 F-16A/B ''Netz'' from the Israeli Air Force, including several that had taken part in Operation Opera. A year later, the first of these aircraft had finished the extensive AAMS mission system upgrades including AESA radar, HMCS, ECM, and Tactical Datalink. In late 2022 they began regular operations flying as contracted aggressors for USAF F-22 and F-35 squadrons in Luke AFB and Eglin AFB, as well as supporting exercises in other USAF and USMC bases.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Aces' F-16 fleet wins USAF contract for adversary air |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/top-aces-private-f-16-fleet-wins-usaf-contract-for-adversary-air/150198.article}}</ref>

; {{visible anchor|F-16A/B}}: The F-16A (single seat) and F-16B (two seat) were initial production variants. These variants include the Block 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 versions. Block 15 was the first major change to the F-16 with larger horizontal stabilizers. It is the most numerous of all F-16 variants with 983 produced.<ref name="F-16.net - the ultimate F-16, F-35">{{cite web | url=https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article3.html | title=F-16.net - the ultimate F-16, F-35 and F-22 reference }}</ref> Around 300 earlier USAF F-16A and B aircraft were upgraded to the Block 15 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16 Mid-Life Update|Mid-Life Update]] (MLU) standard, getting analogous capability to F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hehs |first=Eric |date=2014-02-19 |title=History Of The F-16 Fighting Falcon |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402092757/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=23 |archive-date=2023-04-02 |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Code One Magazine}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=12 October 2023 |title=Ukraine conflict: Belgium joins Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands in promising F-16s to Kyiv |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-belgium-joins-denmark-norway-the-netherlands-in-promising-f-16s-to-kyiv |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> From 1987 a total of 214 Block 15 aircraft were upgraded to OCU (Operational Capability Upgrade) standard, with engines, structural and electronic improvements, and from 1988 all Block 15 were directly build to OCU specifications.<ref name="F-16.net - the ultimate F-16, F-35"/> Between 1989 and 1992 a total of 271 Block 15OCU airframes (246 F-16A and 25 F-16B) were converted at the Ogden Air Logistic Center to the ADF (Air Defense Fighter) variant, with improved IFF system, radio and radar, the ability to carry advanced Beyond Visual Range missiles and the addition of a side-mounted 150,000 candlepower spotlight for visual night identification of intruders. Originally intended for Cold-War air defense of the continental U.S. airspace, with the fall of the Berlin Wall the ADF lost a clear mission, and most were mothballed starting from 1994. Some mothballed ADFs were later exported to Jordan (12 -A and 4 -B models) and Thailand (15 -A and 1 -B), while 30 -A and 4 -B models were leased to Italy from 2003 to 2012<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article14.html | title=F-16.net - the ultimate F-16, F-35 and F-22 reference }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanpage.it/attualita/addio-agli-f-16-restituiti-agli-usa-dopo-9-anni-di-leasing/ | title=Addio agli F-16, restituiti agli USA dopo 9 anni di leasing (VIDEO) | work=Fanpage | date=23 May 2012 }}</ref>

; F-16C/D: [[File:F-16C Block 50M de la Fuerza aerea de Chile.jpg|thumb|F-16C Block 50M of the [[Chilean Air Force]]]]The F-16C (single seat) and F-16D (two seat) variants entered production in 1984. The first C/D version was the Block 25 with improved cockpit avionics and radar which added all-weather capability with [[Beyond-visual-range missile|beyond-visual-range]] (BVR) AIM-7 and AIM-120 air-air missiles. Block 30/32, 40/42, and 50/52 were later C/D versions.<ref name=Darling_p58-62>{{harvnb|Darling|2003|pp=58–62}}</ref> The F-16C/D had a unit cost of US$18.8&nbsp;million (1998).<ref name=AF_fact_sh/> [[Operating cost|Operational cost]] per flight hour has been estimated at $7,000<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saurabh |first1=Joshi |title=Gripen operational cost lowest of all western fighters: Jane's |date=4 July 2012 |publisher=Stratpost |access-date=4 July 2012 |url=https://stratpost.com/gripen-operational-cost-lowest-of-all-western-fighters-janes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216090306/http://www.stratpost.com/gripen-operational-cost-lowest-of-all-western-fighters-janes |archive-date=16 February 2014}}</ref> to $22,470<ref>{{cite report |id=DD-A&T(Q&A)823–198 |date=31 December 2011 |last1=Venlet |first1=David |title=F-35 Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) |page=84 |publisher=Defense Acquisition Management Information Retrieval |access-date=27 August 2012 |url=https://www.acqnotes.com/Attachments/F-35%20Selected%20Acquisition%20Report%20Dec%2011.pdf |url-status=live |type=pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513233905/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/articles/communiques/F-35Dec11FinalSAR-3-29-2012.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2012}}</ref> or $24,000, depending on the calculation method.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trimble |first1=Steven |title=EXCLUSIVE: US Air Force combat fleet's true operational costs revealed |date=26 August 2011 |publisher=[[Flight International]] |access-date=27 August 2012 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/08/exclusive-us-air-force-combat.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129021417/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/08/exclusive-us-air-force-combat.html |archive-date=29 January 2012 |ref=CITEREFTrimble2011b}}</ref>{{Unreliable source? |date=April 2023 |reason=Blog source no longer available.}}

; F-16E/F: The F-16E (single seat) and F-16F (two seat) are newer F-16 Block 60 variants based on the F-16C/D Block 50/52. The [[United Arab Emirates]] invested heavily in their development. They feature improved [[AN/APG-80]] [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar, [[infrared search and track]] (IRST), avionics, [[conformal fuel tank]]s (CFTs), and the more powerful [[General Electric F110]]-GE-132 engine.<ref name=Darling_p62-3>{{harvnb|Darling|2003|pp=62–63}}</ref><ref name=fg1>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/11/219363/dubai-2007-uae-shows-off-its-most-advanced-falcons.html |title=Dubai 2007: UAE shows off its most advanced Falcons |publisher=Reed Business Information Limited |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402230254/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/11/219363/dubai-2007-uae-shows-off-its-most-advanced-falcons.html |archive-date=2 April 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="def">{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-uaes-f-16-block-60-desert-falcon-fleet-04538/ |title=Top Falcons: The UAE's F-16 Block 60/61 Fighters|work=Defense Industry Daily|date=19 July 2018|access-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826043827/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-uaes-f-16-block-60-desert-falcon-fleet-04538/|archive-date=26 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|The [[F-16XL]] was originally referred to as "F-16E", with "F-16F" reserved for a variant, however this was dropped after the decision was made to procure the [[F-15E Strike Eagle]] instead.<ref>{{harvnb|Darling|2003|p=63}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Piccirillo |first1=Albert C. |title=Elegance in Flight: A Comprehensive History of the F-16XL Experimental Prototype and its Role in NASA Flight Research |date=2014 |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=978-1-62683-022-6 |page=143}}</ref>|group=N}}

; F-16IN: For the [[Indian MRCA competition]] for the [[Indian Air Force]], Lockheed Martin offered the ''F-16IN Super Viper''.<ref>Pandey, Vinay. [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/F-16-maker-Lockheed-mounts-an-India-campaign/articleshow/2706209.cms "F-16 maker Lockheed mounts an India campaign."] ''[[Times of India]]'', 17 January 2008. Retrieved 23 March 2011.</ref> The F-16IN is based on the F-16E/F Block 60 and features conformal fuel tanks; AN/APG-80 AESA radar, General Electric F110-GE-132A engine with [[FADEC]] controls; electronic warfare suite and [[Infra-red search and track|infrared search and track (IRST)]] unit; updated glass cockpit; and a helmet-mounted cueing system.<ref name="F-16IN page">{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/f16/ |title=F-16IN page |access-date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221041043/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/f16/ |archive-date=21 February 2009 |publisher=[[Lockheed Martin]]}}</ref> As of 2011, the F-16IN is no longer in the competition.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trimble |first1=Stephen |title=Tellis: US fighters lost MMRCA contract due to technical faults |date=3 June 2011 |publisher=[[Flight International]] |access-date=9 September 2011 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/03/357566/tellis-us-fighters-lost-mmrca-contract-due-to-technical.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903164144/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/03/357566/tellis-us-fighters-lost-mmrca-contract-due-to-technical.html |archive-date=3 September 2011 |ref=CITEREFTrimble2011a}}</ref>{{Unreliable source? |date=April 2023 |reason=Blog source no longer available}} In 2016, Lockheed Martin offered the new F-16 Block 70/72 version to India under the [[Make in India]] program.<ref name="block70/72">{{cite news |title=In exclusive deal, India to get 'most advanced' F-16 fighter jets by 2019–20|url=http://m.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/in-exclusive-deal-india-to-get-most-advanced-f16-fighter-jets-by-201920/article8835851.ece|access-date=11 July 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/global/india.html |title=F-16 Block 70 Under Make in India|website=lockheedmartin.com|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814172356/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/global/india.html|archive-date=14 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, the Indian government offered to purchase 200 (potentially up to 300) fighters in a deal worth $13–15bn.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/govt-offers-to-buy-200-foreign-fighter-jets-if-they-are-made-in-india/articleshow/55130201.cms |title=Govt offers to buy 200 foreign fighter jets if they are Made in India |access-date=21 June 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609023740/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/govt-offers-to-buy-200-foreign-fighter-jets-if-they-are-made-in-india/articleshow/55130201.cms |archive-date=9 June 2017}}</ref> As of 2017, Lockheed Martin has agreed to manufacture F-16 Block 70 fighters in India with the Indian defense firm Tata Advanced Systems Limited. The new production line could be used to build F-16s for India and for exports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/us-agrees-to-build-f-16-fighter-jets-in-india/ |title=Lockheed Martin Agrees to Build F-16 Fighter Jets in India|first=Franz-Stefan |last=Gady |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620172516/https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/us-agrees-to-build-f-16-fighter-jets-in-india/|archive-date=20 June 2017|url-status=live|website=thediplomat.com |ref=CITEREFGady2017b}}</ref>

; F-16IQ: In September 2010, the [[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]] informed the [[United States Congress]] of a possible Foreign Military Sale of 18 F-16IQ aircraft along with the associated equipment and services to the newly reformed [[Iraqi Air Force]]. The total value of sale was estimated at {{US$|4.2 billion}}.<ref>{{cite press release |last1=Taylor |first1=Charles |last2=Ebner |first2=Paul |title=IRAQ – F-16 AIRCRAFT |date=15 September 2010 |publisher=[[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]] |id=10-23 |access-date=4 February 2011 |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/iraq-f-16-aircraft-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928173307/http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/iraq_10-23.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2010}}</ref> The Iraqi Air Force purchased those 18 jets in the second half of 2011, then later exercised an option to purchase 18 more for a total of 36 F-16IQs.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Tyler |last=Rogoway |date=2014-05-07 |title=Iraq's F-16s Have A Cool Paint Job But Antiquated Weapons |url=https://jalopnik.com/iraqs-f-16s-have-a-cool-paint-job-but-antiquated-weapon-1573085398 |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Jalopnik |language=en}}</ref> {{as of|2021}}, the Iraqi had lost two in accidents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2021-01-07 |title=The Iraqi Air Force's F-16 Fleet Is On The Brink Of Collapse Despite Showy Flybys |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/38594/the-iraqi-air-forces-f-16-fleet-is-on-the-brink-of-collapse-despite-showy-flybys |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=The War Zone |language=en}}</ref> By 2023, the US government reported that these jets were Iraq's most capable airborne platforms with a 66 percent mission-capable rate. Their maintenance was being supported by private contractors. At the same time, Iraq's Russian-made systems were suffering from sanctions imposed in the wake of [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2023-05-03 |title=Iraq's F-16 Fleet Surges In Importance Thanks In Part To War In Ukraine |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/iraqs-f-16-fleet-surges-in-importance-thanks-in-part-to-war-in-ukraine |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=The War Zone |language=en}}</ref>

; F-16N: The F-16N was an adversary aircraft operated by the [[United States Navy]]. It is based on the standard F-16C/D Block 30, is powered by the General Electric F110-GE-100 engine, and is capable of [[supercruise]].<ref>{{cite web |title=What it Was Like Flying and Fighting the F-16N Viper, Topgun's Legendary Hotrod|date=9 May 2016 |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3383/what-it-was-like-flying-and-fighting-the-f-16n-viper-topguns-legendary-hotrod|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218145615/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3383/what-it-was-like-flying-and-fighting-the-f-16n-viper-topguns-legendary-hotrod|archive-date=18 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The F-16N has a strengthened wing and is capable of carrying an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pod on the starboard wingtip. Although the single-seat F-16Ns and twin-seat (T)F-16Ns are based on the early-production small-inlet Block 30 F-16C/D airframe, they retain the APG-66 radar of the F-16A/B. In addition, the aircraft's {{nowrap|20 mm}} cannon has been removed, as has the airborne self-protection jammer (ASPJ), and they carry no missiles. Their EW fit consists of an ALR-69 radar warning receiver (RWR) and an ALE-40 chaff/flare dispenser. The F-16Ns and (T)F-16Ns have the standard Air Force tailhook and undercarriage and are not aircraft carrier–capable. Production totaled 26 airframes, of which 22 are single-seat F-16Ns and 4 are twin-seat TF-16Ns. The initial batch of aircraft was in service between 1988 and 1998. At that time, hairline cracks were discovered in several bulkheads, and the Navy did not have the resources to replace them, so the aircraft were eventually retired, with one aircraft sent to the collection of the [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[NAS Pensacola]], Florida, and the remainder placed in storage at [[Davis-Monthan AFB]]. These aircraft were later replaced by embargoed ex-Pakistani F-16s in 2003. The original inventory of F-16Ns was previously operated by adversary squadrons at [[NAS Oceana]], Virginia; [[NAS Key West]], Florida; and the former [[NAS Miramar]], California. The current F-16A/B aircraft are operated by the [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center]] at [[NAS Fallon]], Nevada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article22.html |title=F-16 Versions – (T)F-16N|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017232819/http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article22.html|archive-date=17 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon/about/nsawc/ |title=Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center|access-date=13 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222307/http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon/about/nsawc.html|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1150&ct=1 |title=The US Navy – Fact File: F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Fighter|author=Petty, Dan |access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814052614/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1150&ct=1|archive-date=14 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

; F-16V: At the 2012 Singapore Air Show, Lockheed Martin unveiled plans for the new F-16V variant with the V suffix for its Viper nickname. It features an [[AN/APG-83]] [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar, a new mission computer and electronic warfare suite, an automated ground collision avoidance system, and various cockpit improvements; this package is an option on current production F-16s and can be retrofitted to most in service F-16s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-lockheed-martin-announces-f-16v-development-368323/ |title=Singapore: Lockheed Martin announces F-16V development. |publisher=Reed Business Information Limited|access-date=13 September 2014|date=15 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822145007/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-lockheed-martin-announces-f-16v-development-368323/|archive-date=22 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense-news/2015/10/21/lockheeds-new-f-16v-flies-advanced-aesa-radar/74319238/ |title=Lockheed's New F-16V Flies With Advanced AESA Radar |last1=Seligman |first1=Lara |date= 21 October 2015 |website= Defense News |access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> First flight took place 21 October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-10-23/first-f-16v-developed-taiwan-requirement-takes-flight |title=First F-16V Developed for Taiwan Requirement Takes Flight|access-date=8 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233505/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-10-23/first-f-16v-developed-taiwan-requirement-takes-flight|archive-date=8 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Taiwanese media reported that Taiwan and the U.S. both initially invested in the development of the F-16V.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmonsen |first1=Renée |title=Taiwan earns money off Korean fighter jet purchase |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3369953 |work=Taiwan News |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607200632/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3369953 |archive-date=7 June 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upgrades to Taiwan's F-16 fleet began in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/taiwan-begins-upgrade-of-144-f-16-fighter-jets/ |title=Taiwan Begins Upgrade of 144 F-16 Fighter Jets|first=Franz-Stefan |last=Gady |date=24 January 2017 |work=The Diplomat|access-date=8 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181043/https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/taiwan-begins-upgrade-of-144-f-16-fighter-jets/|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live |ref=CITEREFGady2017a}}</ref> The first country to confirm the purchase of 16 new F-16 Block 70/72 was Bahrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bahrain-order-keeps-f-16-production-ticking-over-449705/ |title=Bahrain order keeps F-16 production ticking over|date=25 June 2018|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720002739/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bahrain-order-keeps-f-16-production-ticking-over-449705/|archive-date=20 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/06/25/lockheed-lands-first-customer-for-its-new-f-16.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo |title=Lockheed lands first customer for its new F-16 fighter jet |website=The Business Journals |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308095555/https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/06/25/lockheed-lands-first-customer-for-its-new-f-16.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo |archive-date=8 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Greece]] announced the upgrade of 84 F-16C/D Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced (Block 52M) to the latest V (Block 70/72) variant in October 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/government-greece-upgrade-f-16-aircraft-f-16-block-v-configuration/ |title=Government of Greece – Upgrade of F-16 Aircraft to F-16 Block V Configuration |publisher=Defence Security Cooperation Agency |language=en-US |access-date=23 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223084934/https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/government-greece-upgrade-f-16-aircraft-f-16-block-v-configuration |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-16/f-16-greece.html |title=F-16V for the Hellenic Air Force |website=Lockheed Martin |date=2 March 2018 |language=en-US |access-date=23 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223084925/https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-16/f-16-greece.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Slovakia announced on 11 July 2018 that it intends to purchase 14 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/slovakia-to-purchase-14-lockheed-martin-f-16vs-450130/ |title=Slovakia to purchase 14 Lockheed Martin F-16s |date=12 July 2018 |first=Reim |last=Garrett |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713205639/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/slovakia-to-purchase-14-lockheed-martin-f-16vs-450130/ |archive-date=13 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/11/18/with-f-16-buy-slovakia-cutting-off-russian-hardware/ |title=With F-16 buy, Slovakia 'cutting off' Russian hardware |last=Gould |first=Joe |date=18 November 2018 |website=Defense News |language=en-US |access-date=17 January 2019 |archive-date=20 November 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181120160527/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/11/18/with-f-16-buy-slovakia-cutting-off-russian-hardware/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lockheed Martin has redesignated the F-16V Block 70 as the "F-21" in its offering for India's fighter requirement.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-f16v-rechristened-f-21-for-new-delhi-455954/ |title = AERO INDIA: F16V rechristened 'F-21' for New Delhi fighter deal|date = 20 February 2019|access-date = 23 February 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224144/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-f16v-rechristened-f-21-for-new-delhi-455954/|archive-date = 21 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Taiwan's [[Republic of China Air Force]] announced on 19 March 2019 that it formally requested the purchase of an additional 66 F-16V fighters.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pressured-by-china-s-military-updates-taiwan-asks-us-for-more-weapons/4842487.html |title=Pressured by China's Military Updates, Taiwan Asks US for More Weapons |date=22 March 2019 |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407235541/https://www.voanews.com/a/pressured-by-china-s-military-updates-taiwan-asks-us-for-more-weapons/4842487.html |archive-date=7 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Donald Trump|Trump]] administration approved the sale on 20 August 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/world/asia/taiwan-f16.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220102/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/world/asia/taiwan-f16.html |archive-date=2 January 2022 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Trump Administration Approves F-16 Fighter Jet Sales to Taiwan|last=Wong|first=Edward |date=16 August 2019 |work=The New York Times|access-date=19 August 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-tecro-f-16cd-block |title=Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) – F-16C/D Block 70 Aircraft and Related Equipment and Support |website=dsca.mil |access-date=21 August 2019 |archive-date=26 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826201111/https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-tecro-f-16cd-block |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 August 2020, Lockheed Martin was awarded a [[United States dollar|US$]]62&nbsp;billion contract by the US DoD<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2313931/ |title=Contracts For Aug. 14, 2020 AIR FORCE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815133519/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2313931/ |archive-date=15 August 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=19 August 2020}}</ref> that includes 66 new F-16s at US$8&nbsp;billion (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=8000000000|start_year=2020}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) for Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web|title=66 new fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan by 2026|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3815244|website=[[Taiwan News]]|date=12 November 2019|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919125520/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3815244|url-status=live}}</ref>

; QF-16: In September 2013, [[Boeing]] and the U.S. Air Force tested an unmanned F-16, with two US Air Force pilots controlling the airplane from the ground as it flew from [[Tyndall Air Force Base|Tyndall AFB]] over the [[Gulf of Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Forget-drones---F-16-makes-unmanned-flight/tabid/412/articleID/314739/Default.aspx |title= Forget drones – F-16 makes unmanned flight|publisher= 3 news|access-date= 13 September 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104021338/http://www.3news.co.nz/Forget-drones---F-16-makes-unmanned-flight/tabid/412/articleID/314739/Default.aspx|archive-date= 4 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/467196/first-unmanned-qf-16-flight-takes-place/ |title= First unmanned QF-16 flight takes place |date= 24 September 2013 |publisher= AF |access-date= 13 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140915031154/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/467196/first-unmanned-qf-16-flight-takes-place.aspx |archive-date= 15 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/defense/support/qf-16/index.page |title=Boeing|access-date=21 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101012154/http://www.boeing.com/defense/support/qf-16/index.page|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:F-16 Operators 2024-4-6.svg|thumb|Operators: {{legend|#0B60D4|Current}}

{{legend|#333333|Future}}

|alt=World map showing F-16 operators. Current operators are the US, Venezuela, Chile, Portugal, Morocco, The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and Taiwan. Former operators are Norway and Italy. Future operators are Slovakia, and Bulgaria.]]

As of 2024, there have been 2,145 F-16s in active service around the world.<ref name="Lock Ready">{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2010/july/LockheedMartinF-16ReadyFo.html |title=Lockheed Martin F-16 Is Ready for the Future As The World's Most Advanced 4th Generation Fighter |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815135515/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2010/july/LockheedMartinF-16ReadyFo.html |archive-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=2024-06-29 |title=How Many Fighter Jets Does Ukraine Have: What Kind Are They? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/1608075/how-many-fighter-jets-ukraine-what-kind/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=SlashGear |language=en-US}}</ref>

<!-- *{{ARG}} - Expected December 2025 - unsourced now -->

*{{BHR}}

*{{JOR}}

*{{MAR}}

*{{POL}}

*{{POR}}

*{{DEN}} – [[Royal Danish Air Force]] sold 24 F-16s to [[Argentine Air Force]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNeil |first=Harry |date=2024-03-27 |title=Denmark strikes deal to offload 24 F-16 fighter jets to Argentina |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/denmark-strikes-deal-to-offload-24-f-16-fighter-jets-to-argentina/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> 19 F-16s donated to [[Ukrainian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/denmark-f-16-ukraine-fleet-decommissioned-1892643|title=NATO Ally Confirms F-16 to Ukraine as 'Entire Fleet' Decommissioned|work=[[Newsweek]]|first=Daniel|last=Orton|date=April 22, 2024|access-date=June 6, 2024}}</ref>

*{{NLD}} – [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] originally bought 213 aircraft. Later sold six F-16s to [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruitenberg |first=Rudy |date=2024-02-05 |title=Netherlands halts F-16 sale to US firm, will send to Ukraine instead |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/02/05/netherlands-halts-f-16-sale-to-us-firm-will-send-to-ukraine-instead/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> and 36 F-16s to [[Chilean Air Force]] in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=F-16.net - The ultimate F-16, F-35 and F-22 reference |url=https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article8.html#:~:text=Introduction,them%20upgraded%20to%20MLU%20standard. |access-date=2024-06-07 |website= f-16.net}}</ref> Donating the rest of the fleet of 42 aircraft to Ukraine in 2024.<ref name="Sabbagh2023Guardian" />{{Update inline|date=May 2025}}

*{{NOR}} – [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] (RNoAF) on 6 January 2022, Norway announced that all F-16s had been retired and replaced with the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/norway-retires-f-16-as-f-35-takes-on-national-air-defence#:~:text=Norway%20has%20retired%20the%20Lockheed,from%20the%20beginning%20of%202022.&text=Although%20the%20F%2D16%20performed,will%20do%20so%20from%20Evenes.|title=Norway retires F-16 as F-35 takes on national air defence |date=7 January 2022 |access-date=5 February 2022|archive-date=23 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423025630/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/norway-retires-f-16-as-f-35-takes-on-national-air-defence#:~:text=Norway%20has%20retired%20the%20Lockheed,from%20the%20beginning%20of%202022.&text=Although%20the%20F%2D16%20performed,will%20do%20so%20from%20Evenes.|url-status=live}}</ref> The RNoAF sold 32 of their F-16s to [[Romanian Air Force]], with the remaining operational aircraft being donated to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Norway signs F-16-contract with Romania |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norge-har-inngatt-kontrakt-om-salg-av-f-16-jagerfly-til-romania/id2945901/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Norway signs €388m deal with Romania to sell 32 F-16 fighter jets |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/norway-deal-romania-32-f16/ |website=Airforce-technology|date=7 November 2022 }}</ref><ref name=NRK2023-08-24 >{{cite news |last1=Ulvin |first1=Philippe Bédos |last2=Sandven |first2=Synne Malen |last3=Kruse |first3=Jan Espen |last4=Uleberg |first4=Ingrid |date=2023-08-24 |title=Zelenskyj vil ha fredssamtaler i Norge |trans-title=Zelenskyj wants peace talks in Norway |url=https://www.nrk.no/urix/norge-gir-f-16-jagerfly_-_-en-historisk-avgjorelse-1.16527948 |language=NO |work=[[NRK]] |location=[[Kyiv]]/[[Oslo]] |access-date=2023-08-24}}</ref>

*On 8 May 1975, while practicing a 9-''g'' aerial display maneuver with the second YF-16 (tail number ''72-1568'') at [[Fort Worth, Texas]], prior to being sent to the [[Paris Air Show]], one of the main landing gears jammed. The test pilot, Neil Anderson, had to perform an emergency gear-up landing and chose to do so in the grass, hoping to minimize damage and avoid injuring any observers. The aircraft was only slightly damaged, but because of the mishap, the first prototype was sent to the Paris Air Show in its place.<ref>{{YouTube|9Djjmw6l3-4|"YF16 in Belly landing".}}. Retrieved 24 March 2011.</ref>

*On 15 September 2003, a [[United States Air Force Thunderbirds]] F-16C crashed during an air show at [[Mountain Home AFB]], Idaho. Captain Christopher Stricklin attempted a "[[split S]]" maneuver based on an incorrect mean-sea-level altitude of the airfield. Climbing to only {{convert|1670|ft|m|abbr=on}} above ground level instead of {{convert|2500|ft|m|abbr=on}}, Stricklin had insufficient altitude to complete the maneuver, but was able to guide the aircraft away from spectators and ejected less than one second before impact. Stricklin survived with only minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed. USAF procedure for demonstration "Split-S" maneuvers was changed, requiring both pilots and controllers to use above-ground-level (AGL) altitudes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gladman |first1=Paul |title=Thunderbirds Lockheed Martin F-16 Ejection |date=3 October 2008 |publisher=FlightGlobal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/aircraft-pictures/2008/10/thunderbirds-lockheed-martin-f.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413061837/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/aircraft-pictures/2008/10/thunderbirds-lockheed-martin-f.html |archive-date=13 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/138537/thunderbird-crashes-at-air-show/ |title=Thunderbird crashes at air show |publisher=[[US Air Force]] | date=September 15, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060214024752/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123006413 |archive-date= 14 February 2006|url-status=live }}</ref><!-- Entry covers the accident and is long enough as is. -->

*On 30 April 2024, an Air Force General Dyamics F-16 crashed outside Holloman Air Force Base, located near Alamogordo in New Mexico. The pilot ejected safely before impact.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.twz.com/news-features/f-16-crashes-near-holloman-air-force-base-in-new-mexico/ |title=F-16 Crashes Near Holloman Air Force Base In New Mexico |date=30 April 2024}}</ref>

*On 8 May 2024, an F-16C of the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] crashed during takeoff within [[Tengah Air Base]]. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft without major injuries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/rsaf-f16-crash-tengah-airbase-singapore-air-force-4320751 |title=RSAF F-16 jet crashes at Tengah Air Base; pilot hospitalised with no major injuries }}</ref> The cause was later identified to be from the malfunction of two of the three primary pitch rate gyroscopes on the aircraft. This was noted to be a "rare occurrence" by [[Lockheed Martin]] due to the concurrent failure of the two independent pitch rate gyroscopes giving similar inputs which caused the digital flight control computer to reject inputs from the correctly functioning pitch rate gyroscope and the backup pitch rate gyroscope when it was activated by the rejection of a primary pitch rate gyroscope.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 Jun 2023 |title=Final Update on the RSAF's F-16 Crash at Tengah Air Base |url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/rsaf/news-and-publications/news/final-update-on-the-rsaf's-f-16-crash-at-tengah-air-base}}</ref>

[[File:01.06 總統春節勗勉「空軍第四聯隊」暨與重要幹部及官兵代表會餐 (52609493192).jpg|thumb|A view of an AGM-84 Harpoon air-to-surface anti-ship missile fixed under the wing of an F-16]]

|fuel capacity={{convert|7000|lb|kg}} internal<ref name=AF_fact_sh/>

|ceiling note=<ref name=AF_fact_sh/>

|roll rate=324°/s<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/f16_article.html?item_id=174 |title=SEMPER VIPER! |publisher=Lockheed Martin |access-date=1 August 2015 |archive-date=3 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403001245/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/f16_article.html?item_id=174 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|guns=1 × [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.787 in)]] [[M61 Vulcan|M61A1 Vulcan]] [[Rotary cannon#M61 Vulcan and other designs|6-barrel rotary cannon]], 511 rounds

|rockets=<br />

|missiles=<br />

***2 × [[AIM-7 Sparrow]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://marvineng.com/product/aim-7-sparrow-pylon | title=AIM-7 Sparrow Pylon for F-16 Fighting Falcon }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2023/08/08/provision-of-aim-120-missiles-would-greatly-enhance-iraqs-f-16s/?sh=7e39770e40c2 | title=Provision of AIM-120 Missiles Would Greatly Enhance Iraq's F-16s | website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref> and 4 × [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]

|bombs=<br />

* [[AN/APG-83]] / [[AN/APG-68]] radar (depends on aircraft variant). The AN/APG-68 radar is being replaced on many US Air Force F-16C/D Block 40/42 and 50/52 aircraft by the AN/APG-83 [[active electronically scanned array|AESA]] radar.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hunter |first1=Jamie |title=USAF launches huge upgrade program for its F-16s |date=4 March 2022 |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/usaf-launches-huge-upgrade-program-f-16-vipers/ |publisher=Skies Magazine |access-date=25 September 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925145436/https://skiesmag.com/news/usaf-launches-huge-upgrade-program-f-16-vipers/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Leone |first1=Dario |title=USAF to Upgrade 608 F-16 fighter jets to V variant in Viper Fleet largest Modification Work in History |url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/tag/northrop-grumman-apg-83/ |publisher=The Aviation Geek Club |access-date=25 September 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925145438/https://theaviationgeekclub.com/tag/northrop-grumman-apg-83/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Aircraft in fiction#F-16 Fighting Falcon]]