Lockheed Martin unveils world's first F-16 Viper Block 70 fighter with new flight computer and AN/APG-83 radar

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter, upgraded to the Block 70 Viper. The recipient of the aircraft is the Royal Bahraini Air Force.

Here's What We Know

The ceremony took place on 10 March 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina. The F-16V made its maiden flight in January 2023. The Royal Bahrain Air Force ordered 16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.

The Greenville plant had an official plan to produce 127 aircraft. But after Jordan and Bulgaria ordered 12 and eight Block 70 level fighters respectively, the plan was increased to 147. In total, Lockheed Martin has six customers.

The F-16V Block 70 is a Generation 4++ fighter. It has an AN/APG-83 active phased array radar. The radar is designed by Northrop Grumman. The supplier for the new flight computer is Raytheon.

The aircraft is also equipped with the Link 16 communications system, an enhanced electronic warfare station and a new collision warning system. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F110-GE-129 engine.

The first F-16 Viper Block 70 will be delivered to Bahrain in 2024. The fighter still has to undergo a series of tests at Edwards Air Force Base before the end of this year, where it will leave the plant in South Carolina.

Source: Lockheed Martin, Greenville Business Mag