Morocco’s First F-16: Morocco has reached an important stage in its plan to strengthen its air force. The Royal Moroccan Air Force’s first F-16 Block 72 fighter completed its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 6, 2026.
The aircraft will now go through more flight tests before it’s handed over to Morocco. Lockheed Martin said the first flight is an important step toward the first delivery of the new fighters.
The F-16 Block 72 is the newest version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It has modern avionics, better sensors and upgraded mission systems. It also includes improvements aimed at safety and reliability.
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“This first flight reflects meaningful progress on Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 program and is a critical step in strengthening Morocco’s future airpower,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group.
“The F-16 remains a vital component of today’s and future air defense, and we’re proud of the role it will continue to play in supporting Morocco’s sovereignty and contributing to regional stability for decades to come.”
Morocco’s $3.8 Billion F-16 Order
Morocco asked the US to approve the purchase of 25 new F-16C/D Block 72 fighter jets in 2019. The US State Department approved the possible sale in March that year.
The package was valued at around $3.787 billion. It includes the fighter jets along with engines, radar systems, weapons, training, spare parts and other support. The official US notification also listed APG-83 AESA radars, Sniper targeting pods and electronic warfare equipment among the requested items.
The US also approved a separate $985.2 million programme to upgrade Morocco’s existing 23 F-16 aircraft to the F-16V standard.
Morocco has operated Lockheed Martin aircraft for decades. Its military now uses F-16 fighters and C-130 transport aircraft. It also operates Black Hawk helicopters and advanced radar systems. HIMARS rocket systems are also planned for delivery.
Taiwan Gets First F-16V Jets
Morocco’s new fighter programme comes at a time when Lockheed Martin is also delivering new F-16s to Taiwan.
Taiwan received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighters on October 2, 2026. They were the first two aircraft from an order for 66 jets approved in 2019. The deal is worth around $8 billion.
The deliveries were delayed by technical and production issues. China has strongly opposed US arms sales to Taiwan and has repeatedly called on Washington to stop supplying weapons to the island. Taiwan doesn’t accept Beijing’s claim over its territory. The US has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but remains its main supplier of military equipment.
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Lockheed Martin’s Global Defence Business
Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest arms-producing company by arms revenue, according to SIPRI’s latest 2024 ranking. Its position comes as countries continue to spend more on fighter jets, missiles and other military equipment. SIPRI said the world’s top 100 arms companies recorded combined arms revenues of $679 billion in 2024.
