American F-16 Fighter Already Had Over 4,600 Units Produced, and 28 Countries Keep the Aircraft Active

Written by Bruno Teles

Published on 30/07/2025 at 13:33

Enquanto o F‑35 enfrenta falhas e atrasos, o velho F‑16 Fighting Falcon vira plano B de aliados da OTAN

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With Active Production Since 1976 and New Orders Confirmed, the F‑16 Still Dominates the Skies in Over 25 Countries

The F‑16 Fighting Falcon remains, in 2025, the most widely used fighter jet on the planet. Developed by the United States in the 1970s, the lightweight multirole fighter stays relevant due to a rare combination of performance, affordability, and technological adaptability.

Its most modern version, the F‑16V (Block 70/72), incorporates state-of-the-art AESA radar, a digital cockpit, and collision avoidance systems. With over 2,000 units still in operation and 470 new active orders, the model remains a key asset in strategic military alliances.

What Makes the F‑16 So Enduring

F‑16 Fighter Has Produced Over 4,600 Units and 28 Countries Keep the Aircraft Active

The F‑16 Fighting Falcon was designed to deliver high maneuverability at a low operating cost, being the first operational fighter with a fly-by-wire control system and a bubble canopy for improved visibility. Since 1976, it has been in continuous production—a rare feat in military aviation.

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The aircraft has achieved global popularity with around 4,600 units produced, of which approximately 2,084 remain active in 2025, according to Lockheed Martin data. It is estimated that about 1,500 of these are already at modern standards starting from Block 50.

Where the F‑16 Is Operating Today

The model is present in 28 countries, notably Israel (361 units), Turkey (≈270), Egypt (240), South Korea (167), Greece (170), and the Netherlands (213). Slovakia, for example, received 14 units of the new Block 70 in July 2024.

Taiwan, one of the largest operators, contracted 66 new fighters and upgraded another 139 to the F‑16V standard, with deliveries expected by 2027. Other countries like Morocco, Bulgaria, Bahrain, and Jordan are also among the list of new buyers by 2026.

What Changed in the Modern F‑16V Version

The F‑16V Block 70/72, known as Viper, represents a technological leap with:

AESA Radar AN/APG‑83
Next-Generation Digital Cockpit
Automatic Collision Avoidance System (GCAS)
Advanced Mission Computer
Structure with a lifespan of up to 12,000 hours, about 50% longer than previous models

Approximately 70% of the airframe has been redesigned compared to the original F‑16A, ensuring upgrade capability and integration with modern armaments.

Why It Still Makes Sense to Invest in the F‑16

Despite the rise of fifth-generation fighters, the F‑16 still offers a hard-to-match combination: speed, agility, diverse armament, simplified maintenance, and competitive pricing. It is equipped with F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 engines that provide about 29,000 lbf of thrust and supports 11 hardpoints for various armaments.

Cost-effectiveness remains the main argument for air forces seeking real combat capability on a controlled budget—especially in regions where the F‑35 is not yet viable.

Technical Consolidation Until 2025

Indicator	Value
Total Manufactured	4,600+ Units
In Operation	≈2,084 Units
Modern Units (Block 50+)	≈1,500
Active Orders Block 70/72	≈470 (until 2026)
Operating Countries	28

Do You Think the F‑16 Is Still a Good Military Investment or Should It Be Retired?

The global presence of the fighter is impressive, but does it still deliver everything it promises in the face of current air warfare challenges?

Leave your opinion in the comments—especially if you follow aviation or work in the field.

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American F-16 Fighter Already Had Over 4,600 Units Produced, and 28 Countries Keep the Aircraft Active

With Active Production Since 1976 and New Orders Confirmed, the F‑16 Still Dominates the Skies in Over 25 Countries

What Makes the F‑16 So Enduring

Major Oil, Gas, and Energy Event Will Take Place in Brazil: Macaé Energy Will Gather Petrobras, Equinor, Prio, Among Other Suppliers and Energy Executives for Business, Networking, and Employment Opportunities

Where the F‑16 Is Operating Today

What Changed in the Modern F‑16V Version

Why It Still Makes Sense to Invest in the F‑16

Technical Consolidation Until 2025

Do You Think the F‑16 Is Still a Good Military Investment or Should It Be Retired?

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American F-16 Fighter Already Had Over 4,600 Units Produced, and 28 Countries Keep the Aircraft Active

With Active Production Since 1976 and New Orders Confirmed, the F‑16 Still Dominates the Skies in Over 25 Countries

What Makes the F‑16 So Enduring

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Why It Still Makes Sense to Invest in the F‑16

Technical Consolidation Until 2025

Do You Think the F‑16 Is Still a Good Military Investment or Should It Be Retired?

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