Video: What Is the F-16? The Fighter Jet That Refuses to Retire
The F-16 Fighting Falcon first flew in 1974, and more than half a century later it is still rolling off the production line. In our latest DefenseandTech video, we explain what makes this lightweight multirole fighter one of the most successful combat jets in history.
F-16 at a Glance
- Manufacturer: General Dynamics, now Lockheed Martin
- First flight: 1974; entered U.S. Air Force service in 1979
- Top speed: Mach 2 class
- Maneuverability: rated to 9 G
- Armament: M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannon and 11 hardpoints for missiles, bombs and pods
- Production: more than 4,600 built for about 25 air forces
- Latest version: F-16 Block 70/72 with an AESA radar, built in Greenville, South Carolina
Why the F-16 Is Still Flying
The F-16 was designed as a light, agile and affordable fighter, and that formula made it the world’s most widely exported Western combat jet. Its fly-by-wire controls, bubble canopy and reclined seat were revolutionary in the 1970s. Constant upgrades in radar, avionics and weapons have kept it relevant, and the latest Block 70/72 version adds an APG-83 AESA radar, a new cockpit display and a longer structural life.
Türkiye and Ukraine
Türkiye operates one of the largest F-16 fleets in the world, many of them assembled under license by Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) in Ankara, and the jet remains the backbone of the Turkish Air Force while the national KAAN fighter is developed. Ukraine began flying F-16s donated by European partners in 2024, using them mainly for air defense against Russian cruise missiles and drones.
Read More
For the latest F-16 news, read about Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 flight, and watch our companion video on the F-35 stealth fighter. More short explainers are on the DefenseandTech YouTube channel.
FAQ
When did the F-16 first fly?
The F-16 first flew in 1974 and entered U.S. Air Force service in 1979.
How fast is the F-16?
The F-16 is a Mach 2-class fighter.
How many F-16s have been built?
More than 4,600 F-16s have been built for about 25 air forces.
What is the newest F-16 version?
The F-16 Block 70/72, which features an AESA radar and is built by Lockheed Martin in Greenville, South Carolina.
Sources
- Lockheed Martin, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-16 Block 70/72 program data
- U.S. Air Force, F-16 Fighting Falcon fact sheet
- Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ), F-16 production and modernization programs
- Public reporting on F-16 deliveries to Ukraine
