IAI returns to building F-16 wings
IAI has reactivated an F-16 wing production line. (Photo: IAI)
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on 2 September that it has reopened F-16 wing production for Lockheed Martin, using an assembly line established in the 1980s.
IAI stated that it reactivated the production line following ‘increased worldwide demand’ for the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft (also known as the F-16V).
The wings will be sent from Israel to the F-16 final assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina.
‘Resuming the production of F-16 wings is a continuation of a decades-long cooperation of manufacturing aerostructures for Lockheed Martin customers,’ said IAI CEO Boaz Levy.
The IAI assembly centre in Israel also produces wings for the T-38 Talon and outer wing boxes for the F-35 Lightning II.
More from Air Warfare
-
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.