Lockheed Martin proposes F-16G to the U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force is considering the procurement of newly built F-16 fighter jets for the first time in over two decades to address critical gaps in its combat fleet capacity. Lockheed Martin has proposed a specialized variant designated as the ‘F-16G’ to help mitigate the challenges of an aging fleet and the slower-than-anticipated production rates of the F-35A.

Derived from the F-16 Block 70 standard, the proposed F-16G would feature significant upgrades, including conformal fuel tanks, 600-gallon wing tanks, an infrared search and track (IRST) system, a Sniper targeting pod, and a drag chute. It may also incorporate the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS). These enhancements are intended to increase operational range, sensor capabilities, and suitability for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts.

The Air Force currently faces a fighter inventory below statutory thresholds, with the average age of its fleet reaching approximately 27 to 34 years. Utilizing existing production lines in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to the complex manufacturing processes required for fifth-generation aircraft. While the Air Force has not yet confirmed a formal procurement plan, discussions are part of the fiscal 2028 budget and five-year Future Years Defense Program assessments.