Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Fighter Takes Flight

Lockheed Martin conducted the first flight of an F-16 Block 72 fighter intended for the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

The company said the aircraft is moving into the flight-testing phase before being transferred to the customer.

The Block 72 is the latest and most advanced F-16 version, featuring upgraded avionics, cutting-edge sensors, enhanced combat mission systems, and improved safety and reliability features.

“The F‑16 remains a vital component of today’s and future air defense, and we’re proud of the role it will continue to play in supporting Morocco’s sovereignty and contributing to regional stability for decades to come,” the company stated.

In 2019, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 25 F-16V Block 72 fighters to Morocco, valued at an estimated $3.8 billion.

The package also includes 29 Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines and 26 AN/APG-83 radars.

The AN/APG-83 radar is a key component of the Block 72’s combat capabilities.

The AESA radar provides improved target detection and tracking, greater reliability, and better resistance to electronic warfare compared with older F-16 systems.

Combined with modern onboard computing systems, a helmet-mounted cueing system, and precision-guided munitions, this creates a fighter designed to detect and engage threats more quickly.

The contract also deepens Morocco’s integration into the U.S. defense ecosystem.

In 2004, Washington designated Morocco a major non-NATO ally of the United States. Since then, U.S.-Moroccan security cooperation has expanded to include combat aviation, ground forces, and long-range systems. Procurement has included F-16 fighter jets, M1 Abrams main battle tanks, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. Last year, the Royal Moroccan Air Force received the first six of the 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters ordered.