Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2025)
The F-16 Block 70/72 is the latest and most sought-after version of the fighter. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The list of countries that would like to get their hands on the F-16, whether that is the latest variant or upgrading its existing fleet to the Block 70/72 type, continues to grow.
Ukraine’s acquisitions of F-16s continue, although training for its pilots on the aircraft has slowed over the last year with more pilot training deemed ‘critical’ for its operational use in the country as President Zelensky said the country did not have enough pilots to fly the aircraft.
The first donated F-16s for the country from Denmark arrived in August 2024, with the second batch arriving in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
AUSA 2025: GA-ASI and Hanwha to produce Gray Eagle STOL in South Korea
The Gray Eagle STOL will be made available to several international militaries, with initial customer delivery planned for 2028.
-
AUSA 2025: AeroVironment showcases new variant of Switchblade loitering munition family
The new Switchblade 400 was on display alongside new variants of existing drones: the Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20.
-
AUSA 2025: Boeing and Leonardo partner to pursue US Army rotary training contract
Leonardo’s AW119T helicopter will be offered as a solution for the Flight School Next contract, an initiative which aims to overhaul the US Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing training.
-
AUSA 2025: IAI presents its bid for US Army’s next-generation VTOL UAS requirement
The OmniRaider uncrewed aerial system is described by Israel Aerospace Industries as an “Americanised” version of its ThunderB-NG vertical take-off and landing UAS of which there are hundreds in service.