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General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon operators

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The United States Air Force (USAF) and four of its NATO partners are the primary operators of F-16 Fighting Falcon. With the evolution of sales under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts, many other air forces have also acquired F-16s. Most nations that have been sold F-16s continue to use them as of 2010.

The F-16 is still in demand today, and many air forces are looking to replace aging inventories with F-16s. Because the USAF has steadily upgraded its F-16 inventory, it will sometimes sell older aircraft it considers obsolete as surplus Excess Defense Articles (EDAs) or as "knockdown" aircraft to supplement spares inventories.

United States operators

USAF Thunderbirds over New York City

Several commands of the United States Air Force (USAF) as well as the United States Navy (USN) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 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]

Air Combat Command

Air Combat Command (ACC) is 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.

Air Education and Training Command

The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) 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

The delivery of the F-16 to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) 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

As with the Air Force Reserve, the F-16 marked the transition of the Air National Guard (ANG) 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.

Pacific Air Forces

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

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, NASA plays 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 seventy planes between them.

Netherlands

A Dutch F-16 in a special Royal Dutch orange livery for air displays

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 102 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 213. 108 of them received the Mid-Life-Update (MLU).

Norway

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

Europe

Greece

An F-16D Block 52+ of the Hellenic Air Force with Conformal Fuel Tanks

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. These are all used U.S. Air Force fighters.

The Italian Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE CAESAR.

Poland

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

One of the former members of the Warsaw Pact that was looking to replace an ageing fleet of Soviet-built MiG-23 (withdrawn in service in 1999 due to their small numbers and hence uneconomical operation) and the MiG-21 "Fishbed" fighters (withdrawn from service on 2003), Poland conducted a competition between the Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2, the JAS 39 Gripen, the MiG-29 (the last offer was withdrawn), and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Despite a strong challenge by the BAe/SAAB team, Poland purchased 48 F-16C/D-52+ aircraft. These capable aircraft have been delivered from 2006 to about 2009 under the PEACE SKY program. To avoid confusion with the PZL W-3 Sokół (Polish language "Falcon") helicopter, these jet fighters were nicknamed the F-16 Jastrząb (Goshawk) in Polish. Now, the F-16, along with 32 MiG-29 fighters and 48 Su-22 ground attack aircraft are the main offensive strike force for Polish Air Force.

Portugal

The Portuguese Air Force chose the F-16 sometime during the 1980s to replace its ageing and obsolescent A-7 Corsair II attack planes, which were inappropriate for the air-to-air combat, anyway, and which were were facing severe logistical problems. This airplane was no longer being flown by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, or the U.S. Marine Corps. Henceforth, spare parts for the A - 7 were not in production, and old spares could only be obtained from the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. To make matters worse, the producer of the A-7, Ling-Temco-Vought, had gone into liquidation and disappeared, also

Because of its flexibility in air-to-air or air-to-ground combat, and because of its ecnomical price, the F-16 became the replacement for the Portuguese A-7s, which were themselves sent to the boneyard.[3][4]

The Portuguese Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE ATLANTIS. The Portuguese air force flies about 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 that had originally been bought for the A-7P Corsair IIs, and the F-16s are scheduled to be equipped later on with the new Rafael LITENING II targeting pods.

Portuguese Air Force

Peace Atlantis I

PoAF F-16A on a combat air patrol mission during Operation Allied Force

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 Azores. Initially the United States proposed to supply Portugal with Block 10 surplus aircraft. However this option rested on a first order of 20 newly-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 1994.

During the War in Kosovo, it was seen that while the Portuguese F-16s were recently obtained, they were no longer up to 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 missions and combat air patrols due to their lack of modern armament and air-to-ground targeting systems.

Peace Atlantis II

During 1996, during the government of then-Prime Minister António Guterres, new negotiations took place concerning the possible purchase of new 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) that had be used by the U.S. Air National Guard. 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, with Portugal being responsible for their transportation 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-16s 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-16s, five of the airframes will be used as spare parts, and only the remaining 20 F-16s are being 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.

Middle East

Bahrain

The small country of Bahrain originally ordered the F-16 in 1987, agreeing to buy eight Block 40 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. Marine Corps, but ultimately, it was decided to purchase ten new Block 40 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

An Egyptian Air Force F-16D Block 40

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.[5] In March 2010 it was announced that Egypt would purchase an additional 20 Block 52 aircraft (16 F-16Cs and 4 F-16Ds).[6] Currently, the Egyptian Air Force operates 220 F-16s making it the world's 4th largest F-16 operator.[7]

Israel

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is the second largest user of the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the world, second only to the U.S. Air Force and its reserve components. Also, the IAF gained the first air-to-air victories for any F-16 fighter, when IAF pilots shot down two aircraft, a Mi-8 helicopter and a MiG-21 Fishbed fighter plane, both Syrian, during 1981.[8]

The IAF took advantage of the cancellation of a sale of F-16s to the Iranian Air Force be able to buy some F-16s earlier than had been thought. As early as 1978, the IAF had announced plans to buy 75 F-16s, and the American Foreign Military Sales program called PEACE MARBLE I executed the delivery of 75 F - 16A and F - 16B fighters to the Israelis. These fighter planes were nicknamed the "Netz" (Hawk) in Hebrew. The large secons order for F-16s of the F-16C and F-16D, block 30, models doubled the I.A.F.'s number of operational F-16s. Next, this number was further expanded by the program PEACE MARBLE III, which brought 30 F-16C and 30, two-seat F-16D, block 40, fighters to the IAF during 1991 - 93.

These newest models were nicknamed the "Barak" ("lightning"). In part to reward the IAF for its moderation shown during the Persian Gulf War, a shipment of 50 used F-16As and F-16Bs were sent to the IAF in 1994.

In a deal worth $4.5 billion, Israel also ordered a total of 102 more F-16D, block 52+, fighters designated the F-16 Fighting Falcon#F-16C.2FD, nicknamed the "Sufa" (Storm) in Hebrew. The first deliveries of these fighters were in 2004, and they ended in 2009[9]

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 Excess Defense Articles. In 2005, Jordan purchased three former RNLAF F-16s. 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.[4]

United Arab Emirates

It was surprising to some to find the F-16 the winner of the UAE's high-end fighter competition, beating 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 aircraft was ordered.

Africa

Morocco

The Bush administration announced plans to sell Morocco 24 F-16C/D fighters and 24 T-6B trainers aircraft valued at up to $2.6 billion on 27 December 2007.[10] The sale was officially announced on 6 June 2008.[11]

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.[12] 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.[13][14] 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 II's.[15] 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.[16]. The Indonesian Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE BIMA-SENA.

Pakistan

Pakistan was an early customer of the F-16, 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.

The Pakistani Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE GATE.

In November 2006, the Pakistan Air Force signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for 18 new-built F-16C/D Block 52+, 28 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 18 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.[17]

In Dec 2009 the first F-16/D block 52+ rolled out for PAF. Its is expected that all 18 F-16C/D will be delivered to PAF by the end of 2010. PAF has announced that it is buying 14 more F-16C/D block 52+ which will be delivered in 2011. In total Pakistan holds 85 F-16C/Ds.[citation needed]

Singapore

The Singapore Air Force 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.

The Singapore Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE CARVIN.

South Korea

Facing a desperate need for advanced aircraft to counter North Korea's numerical superiority, Republic Of Korean Air Force 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 (Korean Fighter 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-16C/D Block 52D(KF-16C/D), 72 of which were to be manufactured in South Korea, and 28 of which were to be produced in Fort Worth, U.S.A.. In 2000, a further 20 Korean-built F-16s were added.[18]

The South Korean Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE BRIDGE.

In May 2009, South Korean government announced upgrade plan for its KF-16C/D fleet’s radar and armament, as part of the 2010-2014 arms acquisition and management package being submitted to President Lee Myung-bak for approval. The ROKAF operates about 135 of the “KF-16” fighters, many of which were built in Korea under a $5.5 billion licensing agreement from 1994-2004. Key upgrades will include new radars to replace the existing APG-68v5/v7 systems, avionics and computers, and improving cabling and databuses to MIL-STD-1760 so that the aircraft will be able to carry GPS-guided weapons, AIM-9X Sidewider missiles, and other new equipment. The Korea Times reports that Elta's EL/M-2032 radar, which equips many Israeli F-16s, has been exported to several countries and aircraft models, and will equip the ROKAF’s future F/A-50 lightweight fighters, is receiving strong consideration.[19]

Taiwan

Republic of China (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 Taiwanese Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE FENGHUANG (Peace Phoenix).

The Republic of China 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.[20] As with all military purchases, Beijing has expressed opposition to the sale.

Thailand

The Royal Thai Air Force 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 USAF F-16ADFs Excess Defense Articles. 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. In 2011, Some of 403 Sqd. F-16A/B-15 OCU will be upgraded to F-16 MLU.

The Thai Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE NARESUAN.

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 indigenously produce the F-16, under a license from Lockheed Martin. Turkey initially received in total 240 F-16s. However, a further 30 were ordered in 2007. All Turkish F-16s are built by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Each new aircraft had to visit American territory under the terms of the PEACE ONYX Foreign Military Sales program before being turned over to the Turkish Air Force. 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 50/52+. These too will be manufactured by TAI.[21] 165 F-16 will be upgraded to F-16 Block 50+ standards by TAI.

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

Latin America and Africa

Chile

The Chilean Air Force 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. Currently Chile has already received all of its ten F-16C/D Block 50 aircraft. The deal for six C and four D model aircraft was valued at $600 million in 2002 and was conducted under the program name PEACE PUMA. 18 more used F-16A/B MLU aircraft (11 F-16AM and 7 F-16BM) were bought from Netherlands in 2005, and delivered by mid-2006.[22] In late 2008, the Chilean Ministry of Defense expressed its interest in buying 18 more aircraft from the Netherlands,[23] which was later confirmed in April 2009.[24]

The Chilean F-16 Block 50 could be armed with US missile such as the AIM-120 and AIM-9 Sidewinder and Israeli made missiles Derby, Python IV and Python V. The Chilean Air Force purchase Litening II pods.

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.[25] 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.[26]

Venezuela has been seeking two attrition replacements for lost F-16s since late 1997,[27] 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.[28] 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.[29]

Venezuela’s F-16s have been modified to use the Israeli Python IV IR-guided air-to-air missile.[30] They are also capable of carrying the Rafael LITENING II targeting pod.

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 |- |}

Potential operators

Below is a listing of active proposals for acquisition of F-16s.

Brazil

The "F-16BR" was declassified in the FX-2 Program by Brazilian Air Force.[citation needed] Brazil was evaluating this aircraft with the intent to manufacture in a joint-venture with Lockheed Martin. In the short-list are the Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-18 Super Hornet and the SAAB Gripen NG.

Croatia

Croatia plans to replace its Mikoyan MiG-21 fleet. 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.[31]

India

India has requested proposals for the Indian MRCA Competition, of which, the proposed Lockheed Martin F-16IN design is a candidate.

Iraq

The Iraqi Government was looking to buy 36 F-16s for its air force in late 2008.[32][33] In the spring 2009, the decision was made to spend $1.5 billion on an initial order of 18 F-16 fighters. Later purchases could bring the total buy to 96.[34]

Philippines

Washington offered to sell 26 F-16 fighter planes to the Philippines, which current inventory consists of about 15 1960's era F-5A/B Freedom Fighters. The only other combat aircraft are 18 Aermacchi S.211 trainer/light attack aircraft and 11 OV-10A Bronco COIN aircraft. The Philippines are looking to procure F-16s in order to bolster its claim over the Spratly Islands. Washington offered the F-16s which were originally purchased by Pakistan but then embargoed. However, due to the Asian currency crisis, the military expansion plan was postponed.[35]

The Philippines is now re-opening the programe to acquire 36 new fighter aircraft known as Horizon 2 and 3 by 2010 or 2012 with the F-16 Fighting Falcon under consideration.[36]

Romania

On 24 March 2010, Romania's Supreme Defense Council approved the purchase of 24 refurbished F-16C/D (Block 25) from the U.S. Air Force inventory. An approval of the acquisition by the Parliament is likely. First batch of aircraft is scheduled to arrive in 2013. Total cost for the aircraft are estimated at US$1.4 billion.[37] This is the first stage of a modernization program witch will continue with the acquisition of another 24 new F-16C/D (Block 52). After the first order of fighters flight resource is depleted (estimated 2025) it is planned to replace them with 24 F-35 Lightning IIs.[38]

Romania failed to pay the first installment on the aircraft, even though it was delayed from June 3rd to August 3rd.[39]

Cancelled orders

Iran

Iran placed an order for approximately 300 aircraft, but due to the Iranian Revolution, the order was cancelled. 79 of these aircraft later made it to the Israel Air Force.[citation needed]

New Zealand

The Royal New Zealand Air Force had planned to acquire 28 Block 15 F-16 Falcons in 2001 in order to replace its fleet of ageing A-4 Skyhawks.[citation needed] The purchase was cancelled by the Labour government citing a benign security environment.[citation needed]

Summaries of F-16 deliveries

Foreign sales programs by codename

While USAF and EPAF customers account for the majority of F-16 sales, the F-16 has also been sold to many other customers under an agreement known as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Since the DoD assigns two-word codenames to programs such as these, FMS programs are assigned two-word codenames beginning with the word PEACE, indicating oversight by USAF Headquarters. The second word in these FMS sales is often chosen to reflect some facet of the customer, such as MARBLE for Israel or ONYX for Turkey. DoD codenames appear in all capital letters.

The codename is assigned beginning with the first FMS sale, and Roman numerals are appended to distinguish follow-on buys, the original FMS buy denoted with the Roman numeral 'I'.

Note that the sale of the F-16E and F-16F Block 60 models to the UAE was not assigned a codename, because it was not sold under an FMS agreement.

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 “Clear 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 | USAF EDAs, 5 F-16As broken down for spares; received MLU [citation needed] |----- | 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 | (120) 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 | USAF EDAs |----- | Peace Falcon II | Jordan | 2003 | (17) 12 [7+9?] F-16A-15ADF, 5 [1?] F-16B-15ADF | USAF EDAs |----- | 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 | (50) 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 | 2010–2011 | (30) 16 F16-C-50+ , 14 F16-D-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

Model Customer Delivery time Number acquired Notes
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 USAF EDAs
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 USAF EDA
F-16A-10 USAF 1980–1981 188
F-16A-10 Israel 1980–1994 72 32 USAF EDAs
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 USAF EDA
F-16A-10OCU Thailand 2002 2 USAF EDA--stored for spares
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 USAF EDAs
F-16A-15 Pakistan 1983–1987 28
F-16A-15 NASA 1991 1 USAF EDA
F-16A-15 Portugal 1999 21 USAF EDAs
F-16A-15ADF USAF 1989–1992 226 Conversions of F-16A-15
F-16A-15ADF Jordan 1997–2003 24 USAF EDAs
F-16A-15ADF Thailand 2002–2003 15 USAF EDAs
F-16A-15ADF Italy 2003–2004 26 USAF EDAs
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-16A-FSD USAF 1976–1978 6 Full-scale development aircraft
F-16 AFTI NASA 1980–2001 1
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 USAF EDAs
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 USAF EDAs
F-16B-10 USAF 1980–1981 25
F-16B-10 Belgium 1981–1982 2
F-16B-10 Denmark 1981–1997 4 1 USAF EDA
F-16B-10 Netherlands 1981–1982 20
F-16B-10 Norway 1981–1982 3
F-16B-10 Israel 1994 5 USAF EDAs
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 USAF EDAs
F-16B-15ADF USAF 1989–1992 25 Conversions of F-16B-15
F-16B-15ADF Jordan 1997–2003 9 USAF EDAs
F-16B-15ADF Thailand 2002 1 USAF EDAs
F-16B-15ADF Italy 2003–2004 4 USAF EDAs
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-16B-FSD USAF 1977–1978 2 Full-scale development aircraft
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
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
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
F-16XL/A NASA 1998–1999 1
F-16XL/B NASA 1998–1999 1
TF-16N-30 USN 1987–1988 4
YF-16A USAF 1974 2 Prototypes


References

  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. ^ F-16 users
  6. ^ defenseaerospace.com: Lockheed Martin Receives $213 Million Contract for 20 New F-16s for Egypt
  7. ^ http://www.f-16.net: Egyptian Air Force Profile at F-16 Website
  8. ^ First Down - F-16. Israeli Air Force site
  9. ^ [1]. F-16.net
  10. ^ Warwick, Graham. "USA details possible $2.6 billion deal with Moroccan air force". Flight International, 27 December 2007.
  11. ^ "Morocco Orders 24 F-16s". Defense News, 6 June 2008.
  12. ^ Scramble Magazine. "Indonesian Air Arms Overview"
  13. ^ MILAVIA - Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker' - Operator List
  14. ^ F-16 Air Forces - Indonesia
  15. ^ News
  16. ^ MilAvia Press.com
  17. ^ F-16 Fighting Falcon
  18. ^ F-16 Air Forces - South Korea
  19. ^ [2]
  20. ^ ROC Requested Fighters
  21. ^ F-16 Users: Turkey. F-16.net. Retrieved: 2 February 2008.
  22. ^ Chile, Chilean Air Force, F-16.net
  23. ^ [3]
  24. ^ http://en.mercopress.com/2009/04/29/chile-purchases-18-second-hand-f16-fighter-planes-from-holland
  25. ^ Anon. (undated). “Venezuela”. F-16.net. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  26. ^ Anon. (updated January 2006). Military Force Structures of the World – “Venezuela”. Forecast International.
  27. ^ Anon. (November 5, 1997). “Venezuela looking to buy Lockheed Martin F-16s”. Aerospace Daily. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  28. ^ Sanchez, Fabiola (16 May 2006). “Venezuela Weighs Selling U.S. Jets to Iran”. Washington Post. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  29. ^ Anon. (15 June 2006). “Venezuela to get Russian aircraft”. BBC. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  30. ^ Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft (21 November 2007). “Lockheed Martin (General Dynamics) F-16 Fighting Falcon”. Jane’s Publishing.
  31. ^ "Croatian Air Force". aeroflight.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2007-06-29.
  32. ^ Cole, August and Yochi J. Dreazen. "Iraq Seeks F-16 Fidghters", Wall Street Journal, 5 September 2008.
  33. ^ Opall-Rome, Barbara. "Iraqi Brass Confirm Interest in F-16s, Armed Helos", Defense News, 16 October 2008.
  34. ^ "Iraqis Put Up The Bucks For F-16s", Strategypage.com, 6 April 2009.
  35. ^ http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article27.html
  36. ^ http://www.servinghistory.com/topics/Philippine_Air_Force::sub::Modernization_Programs
  37. ^ "Romania plans to acquire 24 used F-16 fighters". Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  38. ^ Template:Ro icon http://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/13361_COMUNICAT-DE-PRES%C4%82
  39. ^ "F-16 deal with the US not observed by the Romanian side".
  • F-16.net F-16 air forces, operators, and potential customers
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