# US Air Force F-16G procurement considerations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-air-force-f-16g-procurement-considerations > Updated: 2026-09-19T04:10:54.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the procurement of a new fighter jet variant, the ‘F-16G’, to address critical combat fleet shortages and the aging of current aircraft. This potential move could end a 22-year hiatus in purchasing F-16 models. Based on the Block 70 standard, the proposed F-16G would feature significant technical upgrades designed to increase operational range and sensor capabilities. These enhancements include conformal fuel tanks, 600-gallon wing tanks, and advanced radar systems potentially derived from the F-35. Such modifications are intended to support long-distance operations, particularly in the Pacific theater, and to facilitate Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts. The procurement is being considered as a faster, more cost-effective alternative to the complex manufacturing of fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35A, which has faced challenges regarding high costs and limited acquisition numbers. Discussions regarding the F-16G are part of fiscal 2028 budget assessments and the five-year Future Years Defense Program. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: US Air Force considers resuming F-16 purchases with new F-16G variant The US Air Force is considering resuming F-16 purchases by 2027 with a new F-16G variant featuring advanced radar and increased fuel capacity to address fleet shortages. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-air-force-considers-resuming-f-16-purchases-with-new-f-16g-variant ### 2026-09-16: Lockheed Martin proposes F-16G to the U.S. Air Force The U.S. Air Force is evaluating a proposal from Lockheed Martin to purchase new F-16G fighters to replace aging aircraft and bridge the capacity gap left by slower F-35 production. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-air-force-evaluates-restarting-f-16-and-c-17-production --- Cite as: US Air Force F-16G procurement considerations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-air-force-f-16g-procurement-considerations