Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Takes Flight After Seven-Year Wait
The first F-16 Block 72 destined for Morocco has completed its maiden flight successfully. Lockheed Martin announced the news on Tuesday, October 6: the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s new fighter is now undergoing further tests ahead of delivery.
Confirmation came directly from the American manufacturer. For Morocco’s program, the flight marks a concrete step forward: the first aircraft has taken to the skies and must still be tested before being handed over to the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
The program dates back to 2019, when Washington authorized the sale of 25 new F-16 Block 72s to the kingdom, along with the modernization of its existing fighters to the F-16V standard. These two complementary operations are intended to strengthen a fleet that has been using the American aircraft since the first deliveries in 2011.
With the Block 72, Morocco is set to receive a version equipped with modernized avionics, new sensors and improved mission systems. Mike Shoemaker, head of Lockheed Martin’s fighter aircraft division, described the maiden flight as an important step forward for Morocco’s future air capabilities.
A modernized radar and extended service life
The upgrades include improved detection capabilities. The Block 70/72 family is equipped with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar, developed by Northrop Grumman. According to Lockheed Martin’s technical specifications, the radar shares hardware and software technologies with those used in the F-22 and F-35.
The manufacturer also says this generation of F-16 has a structural service life of 12,000 hours, more than 50% longer than that of earlier versions. The aircraft also features an automatic ground collision avoidance system designed to prevent certain accidents.
The arrival of these fighters is accompanied by a maintenance project in Morocco. In its statement, Lockheed Martin referred to the planned Maintenance Aero Maroc center in Benslimane, which is expected to handle heavy maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules aircraft before expanding its work to other aircraft, including F-16s.
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The announced facilities cover more than 8,000 square meters. They are intended to develop local technical expertise and support Morocco’s ambition to become a regional aircraft maintenance hub.
Moroccan pilots are continuing their training on F-16s already in service. In Orange, they recently took part in an exercise with French Rafales, focused on joint crew operations and air defense scenarios.
