Lockheed Martin's first F-16 Block 72 for Morocco completes maiden flight

The first F-16V Block 72 fighter jet destined for the Royal Moroccan Air Force successfully completed its maiden flight on October 6, 2026, at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina. This aircraft marks a significant milestone in Morocco’s military modernization program, which includes a $3.8 billion order for 25 dual-seat jets.

The Block 72 variant features advanced technology, including the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, modernized mission computers, and enhanced navigation systems. This specific aircraft is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. Following this successful flight, the aircraft will undergo mandatory flight testing before its final delivery to Morocco.

This acquisition is part of a broader effort to expand Morocco’s tactical aircraft inventory. The program also includes a separate $985.2 million initiative to upgrade Morocco’s existing fleet of 23 Block 52+ fighters to the F-16V configuration, which would bring the nation’s total F-16 fleet to 48 airframes. Additionally, Lockheed Martin is working with the Moroccan company Maintenance Aero Maroc to develop local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Benslimane.