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General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon operators

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Many nations are Operators of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Most nations and services which have operated the F-16 still operate the aircraft as of the start of 2005. Additionally, there are a number of nations which have been prospective operators, but have yet to obtain the aircraft.

United States operators

USAF Thunderbirds over New York City

Several commands of the United States Air Force as well as the United States Navy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration use various models of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

United States Air Force

The USAF operates 1,245 F-16s with 701 with active forces, 490 with Air National Guard and 54 with Reserve. These are broken down to 1 F-16A Block 15, 197 F-16C/D Block 25, 350 F-16C/D Block 30, 51 F-16C/D Block 32, 222 F-16C/D Block 40, 174 F-16C/D Block 42, 198 F-16C/D Block 50, 52 F-16C/D Block 52.[1]

USAF Air Combat Command

Air Combat Command (ACC) is the the descendant of the merger of the Tactical Air Command (TAC) and Strategic Air Command (SAC). ACC is the primary combat aircraft operator of the United States Air Force. Originally, all new F-16s would be delivered to TAC or ACC and then transferred to other commands, but now aircraft are often delivered directly to the other commands.

The USAF Air Education and Training Command provides for most of the US Air Force's F-16 training facilities and operations. The command also provides for training of foreign air forces operating the F-16, with two squadrons providing training for Singapore and Taiwan.

Prototype F-16 alongside the prototype F-17

The descendant of the merger of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) and the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC), Air Force Materiel Command is responsible for providing, testing, and maintaining US Air Force equipment. As such, it plays a large part in the F-16 program, both in testing the aircraft and its weapon systems. It utilizes the F-16 for numerous tests for weapons equipping many US Air Force aircraft. Additionally, it operates overhaul programs to maintain the F-16 fleet of not only the US Air Force, but several foreign air forces as well.

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)

The delivery of the F-16 to the Air Force Reserve Command marked the first aircraft type to be delivered new, changing the long policy of merely passing older airframes on from the active forces to the Air Force Reserve. AFRC currently operates Block 25, 30, and 32 aircraft.

Air National Guard (ANG)

As with the Air Force Reserve, the F-16 marked the transition of the Air National Guard to a viable fighting force complementary to active-duty units, as opposed to the second-line force of out-of-date aircraft it had been. The F-16 remains a key part of the ANG force structure.

USAF Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)

Air National Guard aircraft over Kunsan Air Base, South Korea

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) was an early recipient of the F-16 and PACAF operates the latest models of the F-16 today.

US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)

Once PACAF began receiving its F-16, US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) became a recipient of the F-16. USAFE F-16s have been common participants in most recent US military operations in Europe and the Middle East.

United States Navy

While the United States Navy chose the competing F/A-18 Hornet for development as a carrier-based strike fighter, the service still had a need for an aggressor aircraft to supplement the A-4 Skyhawk and F-5E Tiger II aircraft posing as enemy fighters to help train Navy pilots in dissimilar air combat training (DACT). The lightweight F-16 was ideal for the job, and the F-16N version was specifically developed for the task. With removal of the internal cannon (compensated by ballast), the F-16N and two-seat TF-16N served for a number of years before retirement. The F-16 was reintroduced to the aggressor role for the US Navy with the acquisition of some of the Pakistani F-16A/B-15OCU aircraft embargoed before delivery to that country and they remain in use today at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon, Nevada. The US Navy operates 40 F-16s.[2]

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Not a military force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) does play a vital role in research and development of aerospace technology. Its fleet contains two exotic F-16 models (bailed from USAF), the F-16XL and F-16A AFTI, both involved in researching advanced technologies for application to not only the F-16, but other aircraft as well. Additionally, a number of mundane F-16s have been operated by NASA as chase aircraft and engine testbeds.

Original NATO partners

Once selected by the United States, it was further decided to form a partnership between the United States Air Force, then beginning development of the plane for service, and nations of the NATO alliance who had a similar need for a lightweight fighter. Four such nations chose to join the development effort, and became part as well of the production and sub-contracting work to build the Fighting Falcon. The four European partners, collectively known as the European Participating Governments (EPG), are Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Norway; their air forces are likewise referred to as the European Participating Air Forces (EPAF).

  • F-16 Fighting Falcon from Royal Danish Air Force
    F-16 Fighting Falcon from Royal Danish Air Force
  • Dutch F-16AM
    Dutch F-16AM
  • F-16 from Norway
    F-16 from Norway

Belgium

Belgium was the largest initial buyer of the F-16 of the four original NATO partners, and also was a primary producer of the aircraft as part of the partnership. Belgium's initial order brought delivery of 116 F-16A and F-16B in blocks 1, 5, 10, and 15, beginning in 1979, and was completed in 1985. A follow-on order for 44 F-16A-15OCU and F-16B-15OCU was completed in 1991.

Denmark

Denmark was the smallest member of the NATO partnership, with the Royal Danish Air Force accepting 58 aircraft under Denmark's initial order. A small follow-on order brought a further twelve aircraft to Denmark, and two further attrition replacement orders have been placed, totalling seven planes between them.

Netherlands

The Netherlands, like Belgium, made substantial orders for the F-16, and hosted assembly facilities for the aircraft at the Fokker plant. A total of 97 aircraft were initially ordered, but these were followed by substantial follow-on orders for a total of 111 additional aircraft. 52 of these were F-16A/B-15OCU aircraft. These orders brought total Dutch F-16 deliveries to 208.

Norway

Norway joined the original NATO partnership to replace its aging F-104 Starfighter squadrons. Norway ordered 72 F-16A/B aircraft, but unlike the other partners, there was no follow-up, except for a single order for 2 F-16B-15OCU aircraft as attrition replacements. All the aircraft have been scheduled for the Mid-Life-Update (MLU), and received new, helmet-mounted sighting systems.

Europe

Greece

After protracted negotiations the Hellenic Air Force ordered the F-16 in 1985. FMS program Peace Xenia was begun with delivery of 40 F-16C/D Block 30 aircraft in 1989 and 1990. This was followed by an order for 40 F-16C/D-50 Block 50 fighters, delivered in 1997 and 1998. In June 2000 a further order for 50 F-16C/D Block 52 was made with an option of 10 more fighters, exercised in September 2001. All 60 aircraft (40 C-model aircraft and 20 missionized D-model) were delivered by June 2004. On December 2005 the Greek government signed an LOA for the delivery of 30 new Block 52+ F-16s with an option on 10 more. The first batch consists of 20 C-models and 10 D-models, while first deliveries are due in 2009.

Italy

Italy has decided on the Eurofighter Typhoon as its next generation of air-defense fighter, however this aircraft is not yet ready for deployment. In the meantime, some Panavia Tornado jets from the United Kingdom were leased to cover the gap. This lease ran out in 2003, without the Typhoon being ready for service. The solution was provided by a five-year lease of 34 F-16 aircraft, of which 30 will be F-16A/B-15ADF aircraft. The final four aircraft will be earlier block aircraft for spares. All are ex-USAF aircraft.

Poland

Polish F-16C #4044 with markings of 3rd Tactical Sqd

One of the former members of the Warsaw Pact looking to replace an aging fleet of Soviet-built MiG-23 (withdrawn in service in 1999 due to small number) and MiG-21 and fighters (withdrawn from service on 2003), Poland conducted competition between the Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2, JAS 39 Gripen, MiG-29 (last offer was withdrawn), and the F-16. Despite a strong challenge by the BAe/Saab team, Poland declared its intent to purchase up to 48 F-16C/D-52+ aircraft. These capable aircraft are to be delivered from 2006 to about 2009 under the PEACE SKY program. To avoid confusion with the PZL W-3 Sokół (pl. Falcon) helicopter the jets were named F-16 Jastrząb (Goshawk) in Polish. Now F-16, alongside with 32 MiG-29 fighters and 48 Su-22 ground attack aircraft are the main offensive force of Polish Air Force.

At the beginning of the first decade of the 21st century a call for bids to replace at least a part of the aging fleet of Su-22 ground attack aircraft will be opened, due to logistical reasons the F-16 will be a strong candidate during that procedure.

Portugal

Portugal opted for the F-16 in the 1980s to replace its aging A-7 Corsair II squadrons, which were inappropriate for the air-defense role and were facing many logistical problems (especially since this airplane was no longer in use by the USAF and the U.S. Navy, and was no longer in production, either. The manufacturer of the A-7, Ling-Temco-Vought had gone out of business, too.) The F-16 is operated by the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF).[3][4]

As of 2005, the Portuguese air force flies 18 F-16 A/B Block 15 OCU, and eight F-16 AM/BM.

Currently the Portuguese F-16 fleet uses the AN/ALQ-131 ECM pods originally bought for the A-7P Corsair II fleet, and the F-16s will be equipped in the future with the Rafael LITENING II targeting pods.

Peace Atlantis I

In August 1990, the government of then-Prime Minister Cavaco Silva signed a Letter Of Acceptance (LoA) which lead to the creation of the Peace Atlantis I program. The funds used for the purchase were made available through the Foreign Military Sales program, partly a payment for the use by the United States of Lajes Air Base in the archipelago of Azores. Initially the US proposed to supply Portugal with ex-USAF F-16 Block 10. However the option rested on a first order of 20 new-built F-16 Block 15 OCU (17 A and three B) with Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, which made them almost identical to the US Air National Guard's F-16 ADF. Deliveries of this first order began in February 18 1994, and was completed on July 18 in the same year.

The initial group of Portuguese F-16 pilots was constituted by fighter pilots from the 302 and 304 Squadrons, received training in Tucson, Arizona, between January and June of 1994.

During the Kosovo War, it was seen that while the Portuguese F-16 were a relatively recent acquisition, they were no longer at the same level as most modern fighters used by other NATO countries. In 1999, during the Portuguese participation in the conflict (Operation Allied Force), the three F-16 fighters deployed by Portugal were relegated to escort and combat air patrol operations due to the lack of modern armament and targeting systems.

Peace Atlantis II

In 1996, during the government of then-Prime Minister António Guterres, new negotiations took place in regards to the possible purchase of additional of F-16 fighters and the modernization those aircraft. The Pentagon approved of the deal on November 20 1997, and on November 30 1998, Portugal signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) for 25 second-hand F-16 Block 15 (21 A and four B) used by the ANG. Under the program these would be offered by the United States at zero cost and free of charge as Excess Defense Articles under the Southern Regional Amendment to the Arms Export and Control Act, having Portugal be responsible for their transport to Europe and for the modernization costs.

Included in the LoA and in the Peace Atlantis II program was also the purchase of new Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E engines, 20 upgrade kits, logistics support and training.

Initially the plan consisted in only upgrading the second-hand aircraft of the Peace Atlantis II program and of transferring the F-16's from the Peace Atlantis I to a second squadron with the mission of performing tactical air support actions and tactical air support for maritime operations (TASMO), which wouldn't require the MLU kit.

Of the second-hand F-16 five airframes will be used as spares and only the remaining 20 (16 A and four B) will be upgraded for day & night all-weather operations, by receiving the Falcon UP structural upgrade, the F100-PW-220E engine upgrade and the Mid-Life update (MLU) avionics and cockpit upgrade, to equip the 301 attack squadron, which will replace the last 50 operational A-7 Corsair II in the ground-attack role.

The Mid-Life upgrade (MLU) will be performed in Portugal. In 2001, employees of the LMTAS modified the first two aircraft in a Lead-the-Fleet program, with Portuguese technicians observing. The first F-16 AM was delivered on June 2003, and the PoAF personnel is to perform the modification of the remaining 18 aircraft.

Portuguese Air Force

Turkey

The Turkish Air Force is the world's third largest operator of the F-16, following the USA and Israel. Turkey became one of the nations to indegenously produce F-16's, under a licence from the Lockheed Martin company. An initial order for 156 F-16C/D aircraft was made by the TAF. Follow-on orders were then placed for an additional 80 aircraft. Despite the fact that all but eight of these aircraft were built by the Turkish Aircraft Industries (TAI), each aircraft had to visit American territory under the terms of the Foreign Military Sales program. In 2005, Turkey signed a $1.1 billion avionics upgrade package, based on the USAF's Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP). In addition to this, the Turkish Air force put a firm order for 30 more F-16 Block 50/50+. These too will be manufactured by Turkish Aircraft Industries.

TAI-built F-16's for the Turkish Air Force also incorporate, or will incorporate, indigenous components such as the ASELPOD (similar to Lightning III), ASELSAN-developed AVCI helmet-cuing system, indegenous mission computer, indegenous IFF, Identification Friend or Foe systems, indegenous Self-Protection electronics suites, etc.

Middle East

Bahrain

The small country of Bahrain originally ordered the F-16 in 1987, agreeing to buy eight F-16C and four F-16D under the "PEACE CROWN" program. These aircraft arrived prior to the first Persian Gulf War. After this, with the increasing military presence of the United States, Bahrain sought further enhancement of its air force and the replacement of its F-5 Tiger II fighters. Initial talks centered on the F-16N being withdrawn from service with the U.S. Navy and U.S.M.C., but ultimately, it was decided to purchase ten new F-16C aircraft. Worthy of note was the unusual clearance for sale of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, perhaps allowed due to the fact that the United States 5th Fleet makes its home in Bahrain.

Egypt

Since the historic Camp David accords, Egypt has actively sought to re-equip its military with western weapons. Thus, it has become a large customer for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which fits well with Egyptian defense needs. No fewer than six separate "PEACE VECTOR" programs have delivered 42 F-16A/B-15, 40 F-16C/D-32, and 138 F-16C/D-40 fighters to the Egyptian Air Force by 2002.

Israel

The Israeli Air Force is one of the largest F-16 operators in the world (Second only to the USAF). The Israeli Air Force achieved the first shot downs for the entire F-16 series, shooting down a Syrian Mi-8 helicopter and a MiG-21 jet in 1982.

Israel took advantage of the Iranian F-16 deal's falling through to gain an early spot in the orders for the new jet. As early as 1978, Israel had announced plans to buy 75 of the aircraft, and the FMS program "PEACE MARBLE I]]" delivered these 75 F-16A/B aircraft. A follow-on order for the F-16C/D block 30 doubled Israel's Falcon fleet, and this was further enhanced by PEACE MARBLE III, delivering 30 F-16C block 40 and 30 F-16D block 40 aircraft from 1991 to 1993. In part to reward Israel for moderation shown during the Gulf War, a shipment of 50 ex-USAF F-16A/B aircraft was delivered in 1994. Israel has not finished adding F-16s to the Israel Defense Force Air Force. In a deal worth $4.5 billion, Israel ordered a total of 102 F-16D block 52+, designated the F-16I or "Sufa" (Storm) in Hebrew. The first deliveries began in 2004, and will continue through 2009.[1]

Jordan

Like Egypt, Jordan opened the door to modern American arms sales by reaching a peace agreement with Israel, this one in 1994. Jordan then arranged for a lease of air defense F-16s from the United States, and to transfer ownership eventually. The program was successful, providing Jordan with 16 F-16A/B-15ADF fighters in 1997 and 1998. A second "PEACE FALCON" program delivered a further 17 aircraft of similar type. All of these aircraft are refurbished ex-USAF examples. In 2005, Jordan purchased three ex-RNLAF F-16. Later the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) pursued more second hand purchases in 2006/2007 from Belgium and the Netherlands, the purchase totaled 22 aircraft, putting the RJAF in a good position with 58 F-16s.

Oman

In May 2002, the Sultanate of Oman signed an agreement with the U.S. government to purchase 12 Advanced Block 50 F-16s in the "PEACE A'SAMA A'SAFIYA" ("Clear Skies") Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The agreement includes eight single-seat F-16Cs and four two-seat F-16Ds,[2]

United Arab Emirates

It was surprising to some to find the F-16 the winner of the UAE's high-end fighter competition, besting both the Dassault Rafale and F-15 Eagle. The key was a highly advanced configuration that became the F-16E/F-60, with the UAE as its first customer. A total of 80 of the aircraft were ordered and are under delivery through 2006.

Asia

Indonesia

A small operator of the F-16, Indonesia has only received a single allotment of 12 F-16A/B-15OCU aircraft. Two F-16As were lost in two different accidents and thus has shrunk the number of F-16s to 6 F-16A-15OCU and 4 F-16B-15OCU, totaling in only 10 F-16A/B-15OCU aircraft in service.[5] A purchase of nine more aircraft was cancelled in favor of 12 Su-30KI and 8 MI-17, some sources state 24 Su-30KI. This order was also cancelled due to the Asian Financial Crisis.[6][7] The Indonesian Air Force are planning to standardize their existing F-16A/B-15OCU to F-16C/D variants by the end of 2009 and there is an option of purchasing new F-16C/Ds to replace their retired, but in reserve, F-5E Tiger 2s.[8] From 2000 to 2005 the US imposed an arms embargo on Indonesia which resulted in the F-16 squadron being grounded due to a lack of spare parts. The Indonesian Air Force is seeking approval to purchase 6 new F-16 C/D variants to strengthen their F-16 squadron.[9]

Pakistan

Pakistan was an early customer for F-16s, seeking to counter their rival India's purchases of Soviet aircraft. The United States obliged by selling increasingly large lots of F-16A/B fighters to Pakistan. An initial order for 40 aircraft was delivered in two installments, and led to a further order for 71 more F-16A/B-15OCU aircraft. Due to political developments relating to Pakistan's nuclear program, these aircraft were embargoed before delivery. 28 aircraft remained in storage while other buyers were sought, but ultimately it was decided that the aircraft would be put into service with the US Air Force and Navy as aggressor aircraft. The remaining aircraft on order had work stopped before completion.

In November 2006, the Pakistan Air Force signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for 18 new-built F-16C/D Block 52+, 26 F-16A/B Block 15 and 60 Mid-Life-Update M3 Tape modules/kits as part of a $5.1bn deal including fighter aircraft, their related infrastructure, training and ammunition. Deliveries of the F-16A/Bs are expected to begin in 2007, while the initial F-16C/Ds will likely be received sometime in late 2008 or early 2009. The current procurement program of new-built aircraft as well as refurbishment and upgrade of 60 used and serving aircraft is expected to be complete by 2010-2012, as per the Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed. In April 2006, Janes Defence Weekly reported that the PAF may procure an additional 33 F-16C/D Block 52+ - these would likely include the 18 option Block 52+ from the current deal. In July 2007, Commander of Central Command Air Forces, Lieutenant General Gary L. North (U.S. Air Force), and another U.S. aviator flew a pair of F-16s to Pakistan for Pakistan Air Force.[10]

Singapore

Singapore began as a small F-16 user, but has a steadily growing fleet. It has operated the aircraft since 1988, when the first of its initial order for 8 F-16A/B-15OCU arrived. Since then, it has begun ordering multiple installments of F-16C/D-52 aircraft, totalling 76 of the advanced fighters.

South Korea

Facing a desperate need for advanced aircraft to counter North Korea's numerical superiority, South Korea was quick to order the F-16 to meet its needs with a 1981 order for 36 F-16C/D aircraft, making it the first operator for the C/D model outside of the United States. A more ambitious program to provide 120 new fighters was initially lost to the F/A-18 Hornet, but various difficulties led to the order going to the F-16, 72 of which were to be manufactured in South Korea. In 2000, a further 20 Korean-built F-16s were added.

Taiwan

Taiwan is a major F-16 customer, although it has placed only a single order for the aircraft. In 1992, 150 F-16A/B-20 aircraft were ordered while at the same time Taiwan ordered 60 Dassault Mirage 2000 and launched its own indigenous fighter program, the AIDC Ching-Kuo. Delivery of all F-16s was completed in 2001.

The Republic of China (Taiwan)'s Air Force (ROCAF), needing a next generation fighter to replace its fleet of F-16 A/B Block 20s, has expressed interest in the new F-35 Lightning II. However, due to political issues, it is unlikely the island nation will be able to acquire such an advanced fighter in the near future. As a result, the ROCAF has opted for up to 66 new F-16C/D Block50/52 as its interim replacement fighter.[11] As with all military purchases, Beijing has expressed opposition to the sale.

Thailand

Initially considered a candidate to purchase the F-16/79, Thailand's first order was ultimately for 12 F-16A/B-15OCU fighters, immediately bolstered by a further 6 F-16A-15OCU planes. 18 more aircraft were received in 1995, the last new-production block 15 aircraft built. An attempt to buy F/A-18 Hornets failed, and in place of them, the US offered to sell ex-USAF F-16s. A total of 18 examples were bought. In early 2005, the Royal Thai Air Force received 3 F-16A-15OCU and 4 F-16B-15OCU from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Latin America

Chile

Chile selected the F-16 as the winner of a long-running competition to provide the nation's next generation of fighter aircraft in 2000. The F-16 competed successfully against the JAS 39 Gripen, the Dassault Mirage 2000, the F-18 Hornet, and the Dassault Rafale. Currently Chile is slated to receive the first of its ten F-16C/D-50 aircraft in 2006 (?). The deal for six C and four D model aircraft was valued at $600 million in 2002 and will be conducted under the program name "PEACE PUMA". There are plans to buy around 20 more used F-16s.

Venezuela

The first – and for a long time the only – Latin American user of the F-16, Venezuela ordered a total of 24 F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft in May 1982 under the Peace Delta program; the U.S. government originally offered the F-16/J79 version, but eventually authorized sale of the standard Block 15 version.[12] Deliveries of 18 ‘A’ models and 6 ‘B’ models began in September 1983 and were completed in 1985. Since entering operational service in 1984, these fighters have served with 161st and 162nd Fighter Squadron of Fighter Air Group 16 at El Libertador Airbase, Palo Negro. The Venezuelan Air Force had wanted to order a further batch of 24 aircraft, but was unable to afford the purchase.[13]

Venezuela has been seeking two attrition replacements for lost F-16s since late 1997,[14] but has not been able to obtain them due to financial problems and souring relations between the United States and the government of President Hugo Chávez. On 15 May 2006, the U.S. government announced that it would enact a ban on arms sales to Venezuela to become effective at the beginning of October of that year. This embargo was expected to soon render Venezuela’s F-16 fleet non-operational, and General Alberto Muller, a military advisor to President Chávez, responded to the embargo announcement with a threat to sell Venezuela’s remaining 21 F-16s to Iran.[15] Subsequently, the Chávez government decided to pursue replacement of its American-sourced military aircraft inventory with Russian aircraft, and in mid-June 2006 it was revealed that Venezuela had recently ordered several Sukhoi Su-30s.[16]

Venezuela’s F-16s have been modified to use the Israeli Python IV IR-guided air-to-air missile.[17]

Template:Standard table ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Operating Units ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Model ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Location |- ! style="align: left; background: lavender;" colspan="2" | 16º Grupo Aéreo de Caza "Dragones" || style="align: left; background: lavender" | El Libertador Airbase, Palo Negro |----- | Escuadrón de Caza 161 "Caribes" || F-16A/B Block 15 || El Libertador Airbase, Palo Negro |----- | Escuadrón de Caza 162 "Gavilanes" || F-16A/B Block 15 || El Libertador Airbase, Palo Negro |- |}

Future and cancelled orders

Argentina

The Argentine Air Force has long been seeking replacement of its aged Dassault Mirage III fleet, and the F-16 is a likely contender for such a role. However, any potential program is on indefinite hold as Argentina deals with financial difficulties.

Austria

Austria launched a fighter competition, in which the F-16C/D was entered against the JAS 39 Gripen, Dassault Mirage 2000-5, F/A-18 Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum. Austria chose to purchase 18 Typhoons (later on reduced to 15). Several have already been delivered and entered into service.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

It was long rumored that Bosnia and Herzegovina would be provided surplus F-16s as part of the US program there, with the Pakistani embargoed aircraft often mentioned as candidates. This fell through however, although the nation has not stopped considering an F-16 purchase, with many possible sellers.

Brazil

Brazil is currently waging a competition for a new fighter between the F-16, the JAS 39, the Sukhoi Su-35, and the Mirage 2000BR.

Croatia

Croatia is needing to replace its Mikoyan MiG-21 fleet. has considered the F-16, although little progress has been made. Croatia is to purchase 12 or more modern multi-role fighters by 2011. The most-likely candidates are JAS 39 Gripen or F-16C/D.[18]

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has sought a modern western fighter since its 1999 entry into NATO. A stop-gap plan to buy used aircraft put off this decision, but in 2003, the JAS 39 Gripen was selected as the next fighter for the Republic.

Ecuador

Ecuador has announced intent to buy several new fighter aircraft to match recent purchases by Peru. It is considered unlikely that such a purchase is affordable, although if it goes forward, the F-16 would be a contender for any orders.

Hungary

Eager to join NATO, and needing to purchase new fighter aircraft to bring its forces up to par for entry, Hungary struggled with budget problems and was unable to go forward with a program to purchase the number of aircraft needed. Despite the low cost of the F-16, the JAS 39 Gripen was selected for lease.

Iran

Iran, under the government of the Shah of Iran, was the first foreign customer outside of the original NATO partnership. 160 aircraft were ordered, but none had been delivered by the time of the overthrow of the Shah and rise of the Ayatollah. Ultimately the large cancellation opened the door for Israel to obtain rapid delivery of large numbers of the aircraft.

Morocco

The Bush administration announced plans Wednesday, December 18, 2007 to sell Morocco 24 Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) F-16C/D fighter aircraft with advanced arms and related gear valued at up to $2.4 billion.

The sale would be a blow to France's Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research), which had hoped Morocco, a former French protectorate, would buy its Rafale fighter instead.

New Zealand

Seeking replacement of its aging A-4 Skyhawk fleet, New Zealand began a program to lease-buy the 28 F-16A/B-15OCU aircraft embargoed before delivery to Pakistan. While this deal offered considerable cost savings a change of government in 1999 produced a change of policy, and the deal was cancelled in 2002. The Royal New Zealand Air Force was also directed to disband its air combat force, and now flies only transport, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters.

Philippines

Needing a viable aircraft to support its cause in the dispute over the Spratly Islands, the Philippines sought to purchase F-16s to replace its F-5 fleet. This purchase was shelved due to economic reasons and having counter-insurgency operations as its main priority. In the mid-1990s, the PAF did not act on a US offer to sell 28 F-16A/B Block 15 OCU fighters, which were earlier embargoed from Pakistan.[19][20]

Romania

The U.S. Pentagon said on 19 May 2008 that it had notified Congress of the possible sale to Romania of 24 new Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighter jets and 24 refurbished older F-16s, plus associated equipment, in a deal valued at up to $4.5 billion.[citation needed]

Saudi Arabia

As a replacement for its large F-5 fleet, in 1997 Saudi Arabia announced interest in purchasing up to 100 F-16s. However, little progress has been made on the deal since, and the RSAF has ordered 72 Eurofighters from the UK.

South Africa

There was some possibility that the F-16 could meet the South African Air Force's need for a light-weight affordable fighter, but in 1999, the JAS 39 Gripen was instead chosen.

Spain

With the retirement of its F-5 Freedom Fighter fleet coming before delivery of the Eurofighter Typhoon to replace it, Spain was offered a large sale of surplus USAF F-16 aircraft to fill the gap. However, it was decided to purchase further F/A-18 Hornet aircraft instead.

Summaries of F-16 deliveries

Foreign sales programs by codename

Over the years, most F-16 sales of aircraft built in the United States have been through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. For the first sale of a major weapon system to a country, the U.S. assigns a military codeword as the name of programs involving that weapon system. (Note: The EPG countries' procurements are exceptions.) The code name consists of the word PEACE followed by a selected name, such as MARBLE for Israel or ONYX for Turkey. If the nation places additional orders for that weapon system, a Roman numeral is appended for each individual procurement.

Template:Standard table ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Program Codename ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Customer ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Deliveries ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Aircraft Acquired ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Notes |- |----- | Peace A'sama A'safiya | Oman | 2005–2006 | (12) 8 F-16C-50 (Adv.), 4 F-16D-50 (Adv.) | “A'sama A'safiya” means “Blue Skies”. |----- | Peace Atlantis I | Portugal | 1994 | (20) 17 F-16A-15OCU, 3 F-16B-15OCU | |----- | Peace Atlantis II | Portugal | 1999 | (25) 21 F-16A-15, 4 F-16B-15 | ex-USAF, 5 F-16A broken down for spares sources; received MLU. |----- | Peace Bima-Sena | Indonesia | 1989–1990 | (12) 8 F-16A-15OCU, 4 F-16B-15OCU | Additional order for 9 aircraft was cancelled. |----- | Peace Bridge I | South Korea | 1986–1992 | (40) 30 F-16C-32, 10 F-16D-32 | |----- | Peace Bridge II | South Korea | 1994–2000 | (100) 80 F-16C-52, 40 F-16D-52 | Licensed production, Korea Fighter Program (KFP). |----- | Peace Bridge III | South Korea | 2003–2004 | (20) 14 F-16C-52, 6 F-16D-52 | Licensed production, Korea Fighter Program (KFP). |----- | Peace Carvin I | Singapore | 1988 | (8) 4 F-16A-15OCU, 4 F-16B-15OCU | |----- | Peace Carvin II | Singapore | 1998 | (18) 8 F-16C-52, 10 F-16D-52 | |----- | Peace Carvin III | Singapore | 2000–2002 | (12) 10 F-16C-52, 2 F-16D-52 | |----- | Peace Carvin IV | Singapore | 2003–2004 | (20) 20 F-16D-52 | |----- | Peace Caesar | Italy | 2003–2004 | (34) 26 F-16A-15ADF, 4 F-16B-15ADF, 4 F-16A/B-5/10 | 10-year lease program of surplus USAF aircraft. |----- | Peace Crown I | Bahrain | 1990 | (12) 8 F-16C-40, 4 F-16D-40 | |----- | Peace Crown II | Bahrain | 2000 | (10) 10 F-16C-40 | |----- | Peace Delta | Venezuela | 1982–1984 | (24) 18 F-16A-15, 6 F-16B-15 | |----- | Peace Falcon I | Jordan | 1997–1998 | (16) 12 F-16A-15ADF, 4 F-16B-15ADF | ex-USAF. |----- | Peace Falcon II | Jordan | 2003 | (17) 12 [7+9?] F-16A-15ADF, 5 [1?] F-16B-15ADF | ex-USAF. |----- | Peace Fenghuang | Taiwan | 1997–2001 | (150) 120 F-16A-20, 30 F-16B-20 | |----- | Peace Gate I | Pakistan | 1983 | (6) 2 F-16A-15, 4 F-16B-15 | |----- | Peace Gate II | Pakistan | 1983–1987 | (34) 26 F-16A-15, 8 F-16B-15 | |----- | Peace Gate III | Pakistan | Embargoed | (11) 6 F-16A-15OCU, 5 F-16B-15OCU | |----- | Peace Gate IV | Pakistan | Embargoed | (60) 48 F-16A-15OCU, 12 F-16B-15OCU | |----- | Peace Gate V | Pakistan | 1983–1987 | (34) 26 F-16A-15, 8 F-16B-15 | |----- | Peace Marble I | Israel | 1980–1981 | (75) 18 F-16A-5, 8 F-16B-5, 40 F-16A-10, 9 F-16A-15 | |----- | Peace Marble II | Israel | 1986–1988 | (75) 51 F-16C-30, 24 F-16D-30 | |----- | Peace Marble III | Israel | 1991–1993 | (60) 30 F-16C-30, 30 F-16D-30 | |----- | Peace Marble IV | Israel | 1994 | (40) 3 F-16A-1, 2 F-16B-1, 1 F-16A-5, 7 F-16B-5, 32 F-16A-10, 5 F-16B-10 | |----- | Peace Marble V | Israel | 2004–2009 | (102) 102 F-16D-52 | |----- | Peace Naresuan I | Thailand | 1988 | (12) 8 F-16A-15OCU, 4 F-16B-15OCU | |----- | Peace Naresuan II | Thailand | 1990–1991 | (6) 6 F-16A-15OCU | |----- | Peace Naresuan III | Thailand | 1995–1996 | (18) 12 F-16A-15OCU, 6 F-16B-15OCU | |----- | Peace Naresuan IV | Thailand | 2002–2003 | (18) 15 F-16A-15ADF, 1 F-16B-15ADF, 2 F-16A-10OCU | |----- | Peace Onyx I | Turkey | 1987–1995 | (160) 34 F-16C-30, 9 F-16D-30, 102 F-16C-40, 15 F-16D-40 | |----- | Peace Onyx II | Turkey | 1996–1997 | (40) 34 F-16C-50, 6 F-16D-50 | |----- | Peace Onyx III | Turkey | 1998–1999 | (40) 26 F-16C-50, 14 F-16D-50 | |----- | Peace Onyx IV | Turkey | 1998–1999 | (40) 26 F-16C-50, 14 F-16D-50 | |----- | Peace Sky | Poland | 2006–2009 | (48) 36 F-16C-52, 12 F-16D-52 | |----- | Peace Vector I | Egypt | 1982–1985 | (42) 34 F-16A-15, 8 F-16B-15 | |----- | Peace Vector II | Egypt | 1986–1988 | (40) 34 F-16C-32, 6 F-16D-32 | |----- | Peace Vector III | Egypt | 1991–1995 | (47) 35 F-16C-40, 12 F-16D-40 | |----- | Peace Vector IV | Egypt | 1994–1995 | (46) 34 F-16C-40, 12 F-16D-40 | |----- | Peace Vector V | Egypt | 1999–2000 | (21) 21 F-16C-40 | |----- | Peace Vector VI | Egypt | 2001–2002 | (24) 12 F-16C-40, 12 F-16D-40 | |----- | Peace Xenia I | Greece | 1989–1990 | (40) 34 F-16C-30, 6 F-16D-30 | |----- | Peace Xenia II | Greece | 1997–1998 | (40) 32 F-16C-50, 8 F-16D-50 | |----- | Peace Xenia III | Greece | 2002–2004 | (60) 40 F-16C-52, 20 F-16D-52 | |----- | Peace Xenia IV | Greece | 2009–2010 | (30) 20 F-16C-52, 10 F-16D-52 | |}

F-16 deliveries by block and customer

Template:Standard table ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Model ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Customer ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Deliveries ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Aircraft Acquired ! style="text-align: center; background: lightsteelblue;"|Notes |- |----- | YF-16A || USAF || 1974 || 2 || Prototypes |----- | F-16A-FSD || USAF || 1976–1978 || 6 || Full-scale development aircraft |----- | F-16A-1 || USAF || 1978–1979 || 21 || |----- | F-16A-1 || Belgium || 1979–1980 || 17 || |----- | F-16A-1 || Netherlands || 1979–1980 || 12 || |----- | F-16A-1 || Denmark || 1980–1983 || 3 || |----- | F-16A-1 || Norway || 1980 || 3 || |----- | F-16A-1 || Israel || 1994 || 3 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-5 || USAF || 1979–1980 || 46 || |----- | F-16A-5 || Belgium || 1980–1981 || 8 || |----- | F-16A-5 || Netherlands || 1980–1981 || 14 || |----- | F-16A-5 || Denmark || 1980–1981 || 12 || |----- | F-16A-5 || Norway || 1980–1981 || 10 || |----- | F-16A-5 || Israel || 1980–1994 || 19 || 1 ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-10 || USAF || 1980–1981 || 188 || |----- | F-16A-10 || Israel || 1980–1994 || 72 || 32 ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-10 || Belgium || 1981–1982 || 30 || |----- | F-16A-10 || Netherlands || 1981–1982 || 20 || |----- | F-16A-10 || Denmark || 1981–1982 || 15 || |----- | F-16A-10 || Norway || 1981–1982 || 15 || |----- | F-16A-10 || Italy || 2003–2004 || 4 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-10OCU || Thailand || 2002 || 2 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15 || Israel || 1980–1981 || 9 || |----- | F-16A-15 || USAF || 1981–1985 || 409 || |----- | F-16A-15 || Egypt || 1982–1985 || 34 || |----- | F-16A-15 || Netherlands || 1982–1987 || 84 || |----- | F-16A-15 || Norway || 1982–1984 || 32 || |----- | F-16A-15 || Venezuela || 1982–1984 || 18 || |----- | F-16A-15 || Belgium || 1983–1985 || 41 || |----- | F-16A-15 || Denmark || 1983–1997 || 30 || 6 ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15 || Pakistan || 1983–1987 || 28 || |----- | F-16A-15 || NASA || 1991 || 1 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15 || Portugal || 1999 || 21 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15ADF || USAF || 1989–1992 || 226 || Conversions of F-16A-15 |----- | F-16A-15ADF || Jordan || 1997–2003 || 24 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15ADF || Thailand || 2002–2003 || 15 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15ADF || Italy || 2003–2004 || 26 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Netherlands || 1987–1992 || 47 || |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Belgium || 1988–1991 || 40 || |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Singapore || 1988 || 4 || |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Thailand || 1988–1996 || 26 || |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Indonesia || 1989–1990 || 8 || |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Pakistan || Embargoed || 13 || Delivered to USAF and USN |----- | F-16A-15OCU || Portugal || 1994 || 17 || |----- | F-16A-15OCU || USAF || 2003 || 5 || Embargoed Pakistani aircraft |----- | F-16A-15OCU || USN || 2003 || 8 || Embargoed Pakistani aircraft |----- | F-16A-20 || Taiwan || 1997–2001 || 120 || |----- | F-16B-FSD || USAF || 1977–1978 || 2 || Full-scale development aircraft |----- | F-16B-1 || USAF || 1978–1979 || 22 || |----- | F-16B-1 || Belgium || 1979–1980 || 6 || |----- | F-16B-1 || Netherlands || 1979–1980 || 6 || |----- | F-16B-1 || Denmark || 1980 || 2 || |----- | F-16B-1 || Norway || 1980 || 2 || |----- | F-16B-1 || Israel || 1994 || 2 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-5 || USAF || 1979–1980 || 27 || |----- | F-16B-5 || Belgium || 1980–1981 || 4 || |----- | F-16B-5 || Netherlands || 1980–1981 || 2 || |----- | F-16B-5 || Norway || 1980–1981 || 2 || |----- | F-16B-5 || Denmark || 1981 || 3 || |----- | F-16B-5 || Israel || 1994 || 15 || 7 ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-10 || USAF || 1980–1981 || 25 || |----- | F-16B-10 || Belgium || 1981–1982 || 2 || |----- | F-16B-10 || Denmark || 1981–1997 || 4 || 1 ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-10 || Netherlands || 1981–1982 || 20 || |----- | F-16B-10 || Norway || 1981–1982 || 3 || |----- | F-16B-10 || Israel || 1994 || 5 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-15 || USAF || 1981–1985 || 48 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Belgium || 1982–1983 || 8 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Egypt || 1982–1985 || 8 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Netherlands || 1982–1987 || 18 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Norway || 1982–1983 || 5 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Venezuela || 1982–1984 || 6 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Denmark || 1983 || 8 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Pakistan || 1983–1987 || 12 || |----- | F-16B-15 || Portugal || 1999 || 4 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-15ADF || USAF || 1989–1992 || 25 || Conversions of F-16B-15 |----- | F-16B-15ADF || Jordan || 1997–2003 || 9 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-15ADF || Thailand || 2002 || 1 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-15ADF || Italy || 2003–2004 || 4 || ex-USAF |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Netherlands || 1988–1989 || 5 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Singapore || 1988 || 4 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Thailand || 1988–1995 || 10 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Belgium || 1989–1990 || 4 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Indonesia || 1989–1990 || 4 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Norway || 1989 || 2 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Pakistan || Embargoed || 15 || Delivered to USAF and USN |----- | F-16B-15OCU || Portugal || 1994 || 3 || |----- | F-16B-15OCU || USAF || 2003 || 9 || Embargoed Pakistani aircraft |----- | F-16B-15OCU || USN || 2003 || 6 || Embargoed Pakistani aircraft |----- | F-16B-20 || Taiwan || 1997–2001 || 30 || |----- | F-16C-25 || USAF || 1984–1986 || 209 || |----- | F-16C-30 || USAF || 1986–1989 || 359 || |----- | F-16C-30 || Israel || 1986–1987 || 51 || |----- | F-16C-30 || Turkey || 1987–1990 || 34 || |----- | F-16C-30 || Greece || 1989–1990 || 34 || |----- | F-16C-32 || Egypt || 1986–1988 || 34 || |----- | F-16C-32 || South Korea || 1986–1992 || 30 || |----- | F-16C-32 || USAF || 1987–1989 || 57 || |----- | F-16C-40 || USAF || 1988–1992 || 232 || |----- | F-16C-40 || Bahrain || 1990–2000 || 18 || |----- | F-16C-40 || Turkey || 1990–1995 || 102 || |----- | F-16C-40 || Egypt || 1991–2002 || 102 || |----- | F-16C-40 || Israel || 1991–1993 || 30 || |----- | F-16C-42 || USAF || 1989–1992 || 152 || |----- | F-16C-50 || USAF || 1991–2004 || 186 || |----- | F-16C-50 || Turkey || 1996–1999 || 50 || |----- | F-16C-50 || Greece || 1997–1998 || 32 || |----- | F-16C-50 || Oman || 2005–2006 || 8 || |----- | F-16C-50 || Chile || 2006 || 6 || |----- | F-16C-52 || USAF || 1992–1996 || 41 || |----- | F-16C-52 || South Korea || 1994–2004 || 94 || Korean Fighter Program, licensed production |----- | F-16C-52 || Singapore || 1998–2002 || 26 || |----- | F-16C-52 || Greece || 2002–2004 || 40 || |----- | F-16C-52 || Poland || 2006–2009 || 36 || On order |----- | F-16C-52 || Greece || 2009–2010 || 20 || On order |----- | F-16D-25 || USAF || 1984–1986 || 35 || |----- | F-16D-30 || USAF || 1986–1989 || 48 || |----- | F-16D-30 || Israel || 1987–1988 || 24 || |----- | F-16D-30 || Turkey || 1987–1989 || 9 || |----- | F-16D-30 || Greece || 1997–1998 || 8 || |----- | F-16D-32 || Egypt || 1986–1987 || 6 || |----- | F-16D-32 || South Korea || 1986–1992 || 10 || |----- | F-16D-32 || USAF || 1987–1989 || 5 || |----- | F-16D-40 || USAF || 1989–1992 || 34 || |----- | F-16D-40 || Bahrain || 1990 || 4 || |----- | F-16D-40 || Turkey || 1990–1994 || 15 || |----- | F-16D-40 || Egypt || 1991–2002 || 36 || |----- | F-16D-40 || Israel || 1991–1993 || 30 || |----- | F-16D-42 || USAF || 1989–1992 || 54 || |----- | F-16D-50 || USAF || 1992–1994 || 28 || |----- | F-16D-50 || Turkey || 1996–1999 || 20 || |----- | F-16D-50 || Greece || 1997–1998 || 32 || |----- | F-16D-50 || Oman || 2005–2006 || 4 || |----- | F-16D-50 || Chile || 2006 || 4 || |----- | F-16D-52 || USAF || 1992–1994 || 12 || |----- | F-16D-52 || South Korea || 1994–2004 || 46 || Korean Fighter Program, licensed production |----- | F-16D-52 || Singapore || 1998–2004 || 36 || |----- | F-16D-52 || Greece || 2002–2004 || 20 || |----- | F-16D-52 || Israel || 2004–2009 || 102 || |----- | F-16D-52 || Poland || 2006–2009 || 12 || On order |----- | F-16D-52 || Greece || 2009–2010 || 10 || On order |----- | F-16E-60 || UAE || 2004–2006 || 55 || |----- | F-16F-60 || UAE || 2003–2006 || 25 || |----- | F-16N-30 || USN || 1987–1988 || 22 || |----- | TF-16N-30 || USN || 1987–1988 || 4 || |----- | F-16 AFTI || NASA || 1980–2001 || 1 || |----- | F-16XL/A || NASA || 1998–1999 || 1 || |----- | F-16XL/B || NASA || 1998–1999 || 1 || |}

Notes

  1. ^ Air Forces Monthly, December 2007 issue, p. 43-44.
  2. ^ F-16 Users: US Navy, F-16.net. Retrieved: 10 March 2008.
  3. ^ F-16 in Portugal, article about the F-16 service in the Portuguese Air Force and the country's upgrade program.
  4. ^ F-16 Air Forces - Portugal
  5. ^ Scramble Magazine. "Indonesian Air Arms Overview"
  6. ^ MILAVIA - Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker' - Operator List
  7. ^ F-16 Air Forces - Indonesia
  8. ^ News
  9. ^ MilAvia Press.com
  10. ^ F-16 Fighting Falcon
  11. ^ ROC Requested Fighters
  12. ^ Anon. (undated). “Venezuela”. F-16.net. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  13. ^ Anon. (updated January 2006). Military Force Structures of the World – “Venezuela”. Forecast International.
  14. ^ Anon. (5 November 1997). “Venezuela looking to buy Lockheed Martin F-16s”. Aerospace Daily. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  15. ^ Sanchez, Fabiola (16 May 2006). “Venezuela Weighs Selling U.S. Jets to Iran”. Washington Post. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  16. ^ Anon. (15 June 2006). “Venezuela to get Russian aircraft”. BBC. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  17. ^ Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft (21 November 2007). “Lockheed Martin (General Dynamics) F-16 Fighting Falcon”. Jane’s Publishing.
  18. ^ "Croatian Air Force". aeroflight.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2007-06-29.
  19. ^ F-16 Air Forces - Potential Customers
  20. ^ Opus224's Unofficial Philippine Defense Page

See also

  • F-16.net F-16 air forces, operators, and potential customers
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