Lockheed Delivers First Iraqi F-16

Lockheed Martin will delivere the first of 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft to the Iraqi Air Force during a ceremony on Monday at its Fort Worth facility. The F-16s are being built in a configuration tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Iraqi Air Force, and the contract includes mission equipment and a support package.

“Iraq joins 27 other nations around the world who depend on the F-16 Fighting Falcon to maintain peace and security,” said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “We are proud to play a role in the defense of a new democracy and look forward to strengthening our partnership with Iraq.” (Lockheed Martin/defencetalk, 8 June)

F-16, a fourth generation multi-role fighter, has a reputation as the safest and most effective aircraft in its class. More than 4,540 F-16 aircraft have been delivered in the past 40 years, and production is expected to continue through 2017. Major upgrade have been incorporated in the F-16 being produced now.

Photo credit: Iraq’s first F-16 Fighting Falcon on display at Lockheed Martin’s facility; Fort Worth, Texas. 8 June 2014. (Martin Lockheed/defencetalk)