Lockheed Martin will be able to supply Bahrain with the most advanced upgrade of the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet only in 2024

The Royal Bahraini Air Force will be able to get its first fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters of the Block 70 level only in 2024.

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This was announced by the commander of the armed forces Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifah. Initially Bahrain was to receive the first planes in the second half of 2022 until the end of 2023. The $1.1 billion contract was signed in 2018.

The reason for the postponement of deliveries was the coronavirus pandemic, which interfered with production. Lockheed Martin Vice President Randall Howard said the pace of F-16 Block 70/72 production will increase significantly during 2023 as the government eases quarantine restrictions.

Block 70-level aircraft will remain at the Lockheed Martin plant under the direct supervision of company personnel. When the manufacturer prepares the first group of fighters (usually consisting of four aircraft), U.S. Air Force pilots will ferry them to an air base in Bahrain.

Source: Breaking Defense